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Summary

Dock at Gawton Quay, probably mid 18th century, now filled with silt but the edges can just be seen.

Location

Protected Status

• Scheduled Monument 1002667: Gawton arsenic mine and flue

Other References/Statuses: none recorded

Monument Type(s) and Dates

• DOCK (XIX - 1840 AD to 1899 AD)

Full description

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

Map object based on this Source.

Timms, S., 1985, An Archaeological Assessment of the Remains of the Quay, Mine and Arsenic Works at Gawton, Tavistock Hamlets, 1.3, appendix (Report - Assessment). SDV352213.

Dock at the west end of West Quay (1.1). Dates of 1842, 1895, 1906, 1953 ('pond' and 'drain'), 1984. Outline visible.

Buck, C., 2006, Gawton Mine, Devon: Archaeological Assessment, 51 (Report - Assessment). SDV344672.

Dock on Gawton Quay, shown on 1867 Bedford Estates survey map, also seems to be extant on late 18th century map and is likely to be the earliest feature within the site. The dock is now completely infilled, but the edges can just be seen. Other details: Figures 2-3, 7, 36, site 50.

Buck, C., 2006, Gawton Mine, Devon: Impact Assessment Report, 28-9 (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. It is the long term intention of the landowners to excavate the river silt from the dock to reveal its location, extent and sides, however this work cannot be undertaken at present. Once selective tree clearance has taken place, a temporary fence will be erected between the dock and the structures to the east. Limited drainage works will also take place, to ensure the adit stream drains into the infilled dock. Other details: Figure 4, site 50.

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

Map object based on this Source.

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), 127-128, Photograph 66 (Report - Survey). SDV366131.

Gawton Dock is illustrated on the 1867 Bedford Estates map but is likely to be earlier in date as it appears to be illustrated on the Gardner County map of 1784/6. The dock is likely to have been the earliest feature on Site. In 2006 the dock was found to be completely infilled, with silt and grass forming the ground surface. The edge of the quay could just be made out. It was recommended that the infilled quay should be dredged to reveal the sides and opening of the dock again, which would also aid drainage of the quay area.
Gawton Dock was found as described in 2006, with the infill partly colonised by woodland. The deposits associated with this site are mostly buried and hence considered to be stable. It is assessed to be in good condition. Although the site of Gawton Quay is not readily legible, and associated surface remains do not survive well, Gawton Dock does represent some of the earliest activity on the Site. It is likely that buried deposits will survive here, containing important historical and evidential value relating to 18th century dockside activities, and to the formative mining operations. As such Gawton Dock is considered to be of high significance relative to other features and structures on Site. Given limited resources and finances it is recommended that the Site is left undisturbed, with no intrusive works. Should funds and resources become available, then consideration might be given to dredging the dock, to reveal its original form, as suggested in 2006. Other details: Site No. 50.

Sources / Further Reading

Associated Monuments

Associated Finds: none recorded

Associated Events

• EDV4746 - Archaeological Assessment of Gawton Mine, Devon
• EDV4747 - Field Survey of Gawton Mine
• EDV9132 - Gawton Mine, Devon- Costed and Prioritised Proposals for Capital Works for the Conservation and Management of Gawton Mine Scheduled Monument

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