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Summary

Flue at Gawton mine dating from 1880 that carried the arsenical vapours.

Location

Protected Status

• Scheduled Monument 1002667: Gawton arsenic mine and flue

Other References/Statuses

• Old DCC SMR Ref: SX46NE/527/5
• Old SAM County Ref: 1024

Monument Type(s) and Dates

• FLUE (XIX - 1880 AD to 1880 AD)

Full description

Timms, S., 1985, An Archaeological Assessment of the Remains of the Quay, Mine and Arsenic Works at Gawton, Tavistock Hamlets, 11.1, appendix (Report - Assessment). SDV352213.

11.1 - Flue. Earlier than 11.2. Noted on sources dated 1895, 1906, 1953, 1984. Condition is fair to poor. Course of the flue can be traced along hillside and up to stack (11.3). Timms shows full course marked on plan.

Dixon, T. + Matthews, A. + Pye A. R. + Slater, W. D., 1988, Gawton Mine and Arsenic Works. The Field Survey. 1988, 31-33 (Report - Survey). SDV222516.

Flue dating from 1880 that carried arsenical vapours which precipitated arsenic soot, which was raked out through a series of openings and taken to the refinery. The first (1880) flue formed a single line over 2000 feet long, leading up to the chimney at SX45556895. A waterfall was installed along its length using water from the mine leat to absorb some of the harmful gases. An 1896 description (see Weddell and Pye 9.5) shows flues roofed at this period. Report gives details of flues and their complex and extensive associated remains. Other details: Fig 19, pls 20-24. Survey Spring/Summer 1988.

Weddell, P. J. + Pye, A. R., 1989, Gawton Mine and Arsenic Works: The Documentary Research 1988 (Report - non-specific). SDV263249.

Buck, C., 2003, Gawton Mine, Devon, Fig 5 (Report - Survey). SDV222530.

Buck, C., 2006, Gawton Mine, Devon: Archaeological Assessment, 38 (Report - Assessment). SDV344672.

The arsenic flue, running from the 1880s arsenic refinery, is partly in a ruinous condition. The roof (probably brick) has been robbed long ago and the walls in many places have collapsed, and occasionally slipped downslope. The condenser 'tower' is extant and in a relatively good condition, but the inspection chambers have only a few courses of brick remaining. The labyrinth codensers (site 27.4) run from SX4532 68906 to SX4524568901). Other details: Figures 24, 26, site 27.

Buck, C., 2006, Gawton Mine, Devon: Impact Assessment Report, 33-34 (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. In the past the walls of the arsenic flues have been severely denuded as walkers have used the footpath which crosses them (a footbridge is shown on the early 20th century Ordnance Survey map). It is proposed to construct another low footbridge over the remnants of both flues, with timber supports sited before and after them. Other details: Figure 4, site 27; figure 21.

English Heritage, 2011, Heritage at Risk Register 2011: South West, 117 (Report - non-specific). SDV355280.

Gawton arsenic mine and flue, Gulworthy. Extensive significant problems. Declining.

Ordnance Survey, 2019, MasterMap 2019 (Cartographic). SDV362729.

Depicted on the modern maps, apart from the eastern end joining the chimney.

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), 67-70, Photographs 11, 12 and 13 (Report - Survey). SDV366131.

The arsenic flue, and related condensers and labyrinths were built in 1880, along an existing access track. The flue was possibly repaired in 1895 when the second flue was built (Site No. 28), up slope. In 2006 the Arsenic Flue was found to be in ruinous condition, with the roof robbed and collapsed sections of wall noted in various locations. The flues were found to be contaminated with very high levels of arsenic with resultant health and safety issues. Due to thick ground covering woodland vegetation and challenging topography the full length of the Arsenic Flue was not walked. Instead, it was inspected from its south west and north-east ends, and in places from above. At its south-west end, for the length of the exposed scree slope very little was found to survive, excepting some stretches of walling running north east from the Site of the Oxland Calciner (Site No. 44), along with intermittent stone walling visible in the scree and low brick courses. The Arsenic Flue is assessed to be in poor condition. The Arsenic Flue along with Site No. 28 are thought to be the longest surviving examples in the country; a factor which clearly contributes to their significance. As such they are considered to be of high significance relative to other features and structures within the Site. Health and safety concerns relating to arsenic contamination are a serious impediment to consolidating stone and brickwork on this structure. Vegetation management is recommended and the ruins should be monitored. Other details: Site No. 27.

Sources / Further Reading

Associated Monuments

Associated Finds: none recorded

Associated Events

• EDV3173 - Unnamed Event
• 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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