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Summary

Flue erected at Gawton mine in 1894-5.

Location

Protected Status: none recorded

Other References/Statuses

• Old DCC SMR Ref: SX46NE/527/6
• Old SAM County Ref: 1024

Monument Type(s) and Dates

• FLUE (Constructed, XIX - 1884 AD to 1885 AD)

Full description

Timms, S., 1985, An Archaeological Assessment of the Remains of the Quay, Mine and Arsenic Works at Gawton, Tavistock Hamlets, 11.2, appendix (Report - Assessment). SDV352213.

11.2 - Flue noted on sources dated 1895, 1906, 1953, 1984. Fair to poor condition. Built between 1885 and 1895. 1906 map shows detailed layout.

Dixon, T. + Matthews, A. + Pye A. R. + Slater, W. D., 1988, Gawton Mine and Arsenic Works. The Field Survey. 1988, 33-35 (Report - Survey). SDV222516.

A second flue was erected in 1894-5. This was at first linked to the old Oxland calciner (PRN 43333) but later connected to the Brunton calciners (PRN 43325). The 1906 map also shows it linked to the refinery house (PRN43326). 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, 39 (Report - Assessment). SDV344672.

The arsenic flue, with numerous doorways to provide access to clean the arsenic soot and crystal deposits, running from the 1895 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. A new upslope section to the chimney (with very high walls in places), was built at the same time to the arsenic chimney. Inspection chambers at SX4538 68921 and SX4532968890 (site 28.1). Other details: Figure 36, site 28.

Buck, C., 2006, Gawton Mine, Devon: Impact Assessment Report, 34-35 (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 28; figure 21.

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

Depicted on the modern maps.

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), 71-74, Photographs 15, 16, 17, 18 and 19 (Report - Survey). SDV366131.

The Arsenic Flue and related condensers and labyrinths were built in 1894/5, parallel but higher than the 1880 Arsenic Flue (Site No. 27). In 2006 the Arsenic Flue along with numerous doorways was found to be in ruinous condition, with the roof most likely robbed out in earlier times. Many sections of collapsed walling were noted. A section of higher walling was also recorded upslope, constructed slightly earlier, at the same time as the Arsenic Chimney (Site No. 25). The condition of the upper Arsenic Flue was found to be similar to that described in 2006. Stone walls survived variably along its length, up to a maximum of 1.5 metres. Overall, the Arsenic Flue was assessed to be in poor condition. The Arsenic Flue along with Site No. 27. is thought to be the longest surviving examples in the country. As such they are considered to be of high significance relative to other features and structures within the Site. The recommendations for the higher Arsenic Flue are the same as for the lower Arsenic Flue (Site No. 27) including health and safety restrictions, vegetation management and monitoring. Other details: Site No. 28.

Sources / Further Reading

Associated Monuments

Associated Finds: none recorded

Associated Events

• EDV3174 - 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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