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Summary

Deep Adit, possibly the site of the first discovery of copper and arsenic lodes in the 18th century. Adit portal belived to be west of Bayly's Shaft, discharging into River Tamar.

Location

Protected Status: none recorded

Other References/Statuses: none recorded

Monument Type(s) and Dates

• ADIT (XIX - 1801 AD to 1900 AD)

Full description

Buck, C., 2006, Gawton Mine, Devon: Archaeological Assessment, 10, 35 (Report - Assessment). SDV344672.

The site of Bayly's Shaft and Deep Adit may be the sites of the first discovery of the copper and arsenic lodes in the 18th century. The adit portal, believed to be just west of Bayly's Shaft, could not be clearly seen. In the 1970s an underground inspection was made of part of the adit by descending Pearce's Shaft. This revealed that the adit dropped by several metres near Bayly's Shaft prior to discharging into the River Tamar at river level. It can probably be seen by boat after close inspection of the vertical retaining wall masonry on the west side of the water wheel pit, close to river level. Other details: Figure 36, site 22.

Clive Meaton, 2023, Gawton Mine, Devon- Costed and Prioritised Proposals for Capital Works for the Conservation and Management of Gawton Mine Scheduled Monument (Redacted Costs Version), 59 (Report - Survey). SDV366131.

Historic maps did not show the precise location of the Deep Adit portal, although based on investigations by the landowner in the 1970s, the adit entrance was thought to be blocked, and located west of Baylys Shaft (Site No. 21). In 2006. the adit portal was not located but was recorded in the 1980s during a Site survey by the landowner, when it was issuing ochreous mine water. There were no recommendations for Deep Adit, except that the outflow portal should not become blocked. Due to its inaccessible position, Deep Adit was not visited or located. For the purposes of this assessment, and the prioritisation of works, it is assumed to be in medium condition.
Given the unknown condition of Deep Adit and the frequent occurrence of shafts and adits at Gawton Mine as well as across mining sites in the Tamar Valley generally, the Deep Adit is considered to have low significance, relative to other features and structures across the site. The recommendations provided in 2006 are unchanged. Other details: Site No. 22.

Sources / Further Reading

Associated Monuments

Associated Finds: none recorded

Associated Events

• EDV4746 - Archaeological Assessment of Gawton Mine, Devon
• EDV4747 - Field Survey of Gawton Mine

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