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Summary

Remains of count house, 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

• COUNTING HOUSE (XIX - 1895 AD to 1895 AD)

Full description

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

Dixon, T. + Matthews, A. + Pye A. R. + Slater, W. D., 1988, Gawton Mine and Arsenic Works. The Field Survey. 1988, 39 (Report - Survey). SDV222516.

The count house is located on the south-east of the boiler-house on the northern side of a terrace. It appears to be a secondary development since it clearly overlies an earlier dwarf wall which forms the top of a wall revetting the terrace. The lower part of the eastern wall abuts the face of the dwarf wall at a lower level. The access into the count house is from the east, through a doorway which has later been partly blocked, and no evidence of the internal arrangement is visible. Other details: Figure 22.

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

This building was constructed in 1895 and is located to the south-east of the boiler house, next to the stone breaker (crusher). It has intact walls but to a relatively low height. It is difficult to make out the site plan as it is later than the the original 1894 ore crusher and has been altered and re-adapted again since it is partial demolition over time. Other details: Figure 11, 36, site 30.

Buck, C., 2006, Gawton Mine, Devon: Impact Assessment Report, 13-14 (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 northern wall of the count house is to minimally cleanse surface arsenic and consolidate the upper section of vertical wall next to the footpath route, after the removal of damaging trees that growing on and in the feature. The wall is in a relatively sound state, so this is likely to entail simply rebedding the top two courses of stone and repointing the upper sections of wall with a lime based mortar. Other details: Figure 4, site 30.

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), 77-78, Photographs 22 and 23 (Report - Survey). SDV366131.

The Counthouse was constructed during 1895 and was illustrated on Ordnance Survey maps from 1904 onwards. In 2006 the Counthouse had intact walls, but only surviving to relatively low heights. However, it was found difficult to discern its overall plan, due to its position alongside the Ore Crusher/Platform (Site No. 31). Vegetation management was recommended and the structure was re-assessed for stability.
The footprint of the Counthouse was found to be retained by a substantial wall, in stretches constructed of brick and in others, of stone. The wall generally survived up
to approximately 2.5 metres high, but 3.5 metres high where it formed the north elevation of the Counthouse. The retaining wall was found to be in poor condition with localised collapses. The Counthouse itself was constructed on ground approximately 1.5 metres higher than the adjacent path, hence the need for the retaining wall. The east, south and west elevations of the Counthouse survived only as low ruins up to 1 metre high, whereas the north elevation survived to approximately 2 metres, excluding the retaining wall element. Walls were heavily overgrown with vegetation. The retaining wall and Count House were found to be in poor condition and deteriorating. Given the poor preservation of the Counthouse, it is considered to be of medium significance relative to other features and structures within the Site. Vegetation clearance and monitoring were recommended. Other details: Site No. 30.

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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