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Summary

The Balance Bob Box is associated with Kings Engine Shaft at Gawton Mine.

Location

Protected Status

• Scheduled Monument 1002667: Gawton arsenic mine and flue

Other References/Statuses: none recorded

Monument Type(s) and Dates

• BUILDING (XIX - 1867 AD (Between) to 1867 AD (Between))

Full description

Buck, C., 2006, Gawton Mine, Devon: Archaeological Assessment, 55-56 (Report - Assessment). SDV344672.

The Balance bob box mountings are located at SX 45030 68808. The balance bob box is mostly extant and extends back (northwards) from the shaft. These walls would have been approximately 2.0 metres high and the box feature at its back from 3.0 to 4.0 metres high, however the top of the walls are somewhat denuded and the interior filled with rubble etc. The rubble interior of the narrow wall housing and balance bob box, if cleared would provide an interesting site for the visiting public. The tops and side walls of the balance bob mountings and box should be re-pointed and the walls capped. Other details: Site No. 58.1.

Ordnance Survey, 2016, MasterMap (Cartographic). SDV359352.

The building is depicted.

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), 148-150, Photograph 86, Figure No. 7 (Report - Survey). SDV366131.

The Balance Bob Box is located at SX 45030 68808 and along with the Kings/Engine Shaft (Site No. 58), depicted on the Bedford Estates Lode map of 1867. In 2006, the Balance Bob Box was mostly extant and extended backwards from the shaft. The original wall heights, which would have ranged between 2 metres and 4 metres, appeared to have reduced and the interior infilled with rubble. It was recommended that the rubble infill of the Balance Bob Box was cleared, with the walls repointed and wall heads capped.
On the north side of the shaft, the Balance Bob Box was found to be in a similar condition to that described in 2006 during this survey. Although no obvious recent collapses or failures were identified, the structure was partly overgrown with frequently open jointed stonework, and localised voids. The Balance Bob Box is considered to be in poor condition. Vegetation should be cleared from within, in and around the Balance Bob Box. The infill should then be cleared and repairs undertaken. The location of the Balance Bob Box is based on the Site Plan Figure No. 7. Other details: Site No. 58.1.

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
• EDV9133 - Gawton Mines, Gulworthy, Devon- Structural Condition Report

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