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Summary

The construction of a new Refinery House around 1890 was undertaken to further improve the arsenic refining process at Gawton Mine.

Location

Protected Status

• Scheduled Monument 1002667: Gawton arsenic mine and flue

Other References/Statuses: none recorded

Monument Type(s) and Dates

• REFINERY (XIX - 1890 AD (Between) to 1890 AD (Between))

Full description

Buck, C., 2006, Gawton Mine, Devon: Archaeological Assessment, 48, Figure 29 (Report - Assessment). SDV344672.

The Refinery house (circa 1880) is located at SX 45182 68913. Construction of a new arsenic refinery in approximately 1890 further refined the arsenic process. The refinery house is now the main two storied extant building of the entire complex. It is constructed of large concrete blocks, which have been formed from burnt waste products, and a similar material formed by shuttering. This material is now starting to crumble in many places. Timber has been used as structural components, which is rotting. Vegetation is growing on the sides and tops of the walls. Trees are also growing inside and outside of the building. Other details: Site No. 45.2.

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), 110-113, Photograph 50, 51, 52 and 53, Figure No.7 (Report - Survey). SDV366131.

The construction of a new Refinery House circa 1890 at SX 45182 68913 was undertaken to further improve the arsenic refining process. The Refinery House was the main surviving structure. It survived to two storey height, having been constructed of large concrete blocks formed from burnt waste products, with a similar material used for shuttering. Timbers that had been used as structural components were found to be rotting and the concrete blocks were starting to crumble and crack in localised areas. Ivy and vegetation had colonised the walls and wall tops, and trees were growing in and around the structure, making access and photography difficult. A structural survey was recommended for the Refinery House but given potentially high levels of arsenic residues embedded in structural remains, it was considered unlikely that consolidation works would be feasible. Fencing was recommended to secure the area from the adjacent track. The Refinery House is constructed with unusual materials (burnt concrete blocks), making it a rare example, whilst its super structure survives relatively well intact. The location of the Refinery House is based on the Site Plan Figure No. 7. Other details: Site No. 45.2.

Sources / Further Reading

Associated Monuments

Associated Finds: none recorded

Associated Events

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

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