See important guidance on the use of this record.

If you have any comments or new information about this record, please email us.

Summary

Kings Engine Shaft is labelled on the Bedford Estates Lode map of 1867.

Location

Protected Status

• Scheduled Monument 1002667: Gawton arsenic mine and flue

Other References/Statuses: none recorded

Monument Type(s) and Dates

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

Full description

Ordnance Survey, 1880-1899, First Edition Ordnance Survey 25 inch map (Cartographic). SDV336179.

The 'King's Shaft' is marked and depicted.

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

The 'King's Shaft' is marked and depicted.

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

The 1867 lode map labels the shaft and shows the adjacent balance bob box (Site No. 58.1) masonry whilst the 1882 Ordnance Survey map of 1882 shows both features.
The shaft is choked and unfenced. It has a roughly circular depression measuring approximately 7.0 metres diameter to its surface fill of 3.5 metres depth from adjacent ground level. There is a remnant of vertical stone walling on the east side, which may include a footway access in the south east corner (within a rounded section of walling), and remnants of timber shaft throat lining. It would be advisable to fence the shaft openings and erect a shaft warning sign.

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), 148-149, Photograph 85 (Report - Survey). SDV366131.

Kings Engine Shaft is labelled on the Bedford Estates Lode map of 1867. The shaft was an important one, accessing the main stopes in the western parts of the Main Copper Lode, as evidenced by the area of mine waste to the west and north of the shaft. The shaft was also crucial during the penultimate phase of operations when mundic ore was removed via the shaft to be taken away on the adjacent Incline Tramway (Site No. 41) for processing at the top of the Site. In 2006, the shaft was choked and unfenced. It formed a roughly circular depression measuring approximately 7 metres, with a depth to its choked infill of approximately 3.5 metres from the adjacent ground surface. A remnant of stone walling was noted on its east side, near the Pumping Engine House (Site No. 59), which might have included a footway access in the south-east corner. There were also some remains of the timber shaft throat lining. The landowner confirmed that the shaft had been capped. Fencing around the shaft along with warning signs were recommended.
The Kings Engine Shaft was unfenced and overgrown during this survey. The area was not entered but viewed from above, where there are scarps on the south and west side of the capped shaft. The Kings Engine Shaft was assessed to be in poor condition. The Kings Engine Shaft was a crucial element of the mine during operations from the mid-19th century onwards and will contain important evidential and historical value dating from this time. It is considered to be of medium significance relative to other features and structures within the Site. The integrity of the mine shaft capping should be reviewed by an appropriately qualified surveyor, and the area fenced with warning signs. Vegetation clearance, structural repairs and monitoring should be undertaken. Other details: Site No. 58.

Jon Avent, 2023, Gawton Mines, Gulworthy, Devon- Structural Condition Report, 34 (Report - Survey). SDV366140.

Vegetation present, particularly at high level, restricting access. Remove vegetation and consolidate wall heads. Other details: Site No. 58.

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
• EDV9133 - Gawton Mines, Gulworthy, Devon- Structural Condition Report
• EDV4746 - Archaeological Assessment of Gawton Mine, Devon
• EDV4747 - Field Survey of Gawton Mine

Search results generated by the HBSMR Gateway from exeGesIS SDM Ltd.