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Summary

Large rectangular reservoir to east of late 19th century engine house complex at Gawton Mine.

Location

Protected Status

• Scheduled Monument 1002667: Gawton arsenic mine and flue

Other References/Statuses: none recorded

Monument Type(s) and Dates

• RESERVOIR (XIX - 1894 AD to 1894 AD)

Full description

Ordnance Survey, 1904 - 1906, Second Edition Ordnance Survey 25 inch Map (Cartographic). SDV325644.

'Reservoir' shown.

Timms, S., 1985, An Archaeological Assessment of the Remains of the Quay, Mine and Arsenic Works at Gawton, Tavistock Hamlets, 10.6, appendix (Report - Assessment). SDV352213.

10.6 - Reservoir eat of the Boiler House noted on sourcs dated 1895 ('pond'), 1906, 1953, 1984. Good condition. Stone lined, rectangular.

Dixon, T. + Matthews, A. + Pye A. R. + Slater, W. D., 1988, Gawton Mine and Arsenic Works. The Field Survey. 1988, 40 (Report - Survey). SDV222516.

Large rectangular vertically-sided feature located some 10-20 metres to the east of the count-house. It is cement lined and is largely filled with vegetation, so any low level drawing point for water from this reservoir is no longer visible. However there is a shillet-lined and roofed tunnel leading from its south-western corner. This may be to carry water down towards the engine and boiler houses from the reservoir. There is also a shallow overflow between the top of the reservoir and this, which is cement lined. Other details: Figures 1, 7.

Buck, C., 2006, Gawton Mine, Devon: Archaeological Assessment, 39-40 (Report - Assessment). SDV344672.

A letter dating from 1894 refers to 'a large well built reservoir on the top of the incline, which will hold a sufficient amount of water for all dressing purposes.' The concrete and cement lined pond is approximately 19 metres by 8 metres, and 3.2 metres deep. Small trees are growing from the interior of the feature. Other details: Figure 36, site 29.

Buck, C., 2006, Gawton Mine, Devon: Impact Assessment Report, 35-36 (Report - Assessment). SDV348353.

The Tamar Valley Mining Heritage Project has proposed that a programme of building conservation and public safety works be undertaken to a number of sites within Gawton Quay and Mine. The impact of the proposed scheme on the reservoir pond is related to its long term preservation and the safety of people walking around it. The trees growing from the floor will be removed and the north, west and east sides fenced, given its proximity to the footpath route to the ore dressing buildings. Other details: Figure 4, site 29; figures 6, 22.

Ordnance Survey, 2010, MasterMap (Cartographic). SDV344030.

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), 75-76, Photographs 20 and 21 (Report - Survey). SDV366131.

The Reservoir Pond is shown on Ordnance Survey maps dating from 1904 onwards. There is an underground tunnel that housed a pipe and wooden launder to take water from the pond to the Boiler House (Site No. 33). In 2006 the Reservoir Pond was recorded to be approximately 19 metres long by 8 metres wide and 3.2 metres deep and was concrete/cement lined. Vegetation management and fencing was recommended. The Reservoir Pond was found to be in similar condition to that recorded in 2006 with no obvious structural weaknesses or failures of the cement lining. Small trees on the interior were also recorded. The Reservoir Pond was assessed to be in medium condition. The Reservoir Pond survives well and will contain historical and evidential value dating from the period of focussed arsenic production. As such, it is considered to have medium significance relative to other features and structures on Site. As in 2006, it was recommended that vegetation and ivy is cleared from the structure, and that the north, west and east sides are fenced, as a priority. Monitoring was also suggested. Other details: Site No. 29.

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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