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Summary

Site of calciner at Gawton mine depicted on 1895 survey.

Location

Protected Status

• Scheduled Monument 1002667: Gawton arsenic mine and flue

Other References/Statuses

• Old DCC SMR Ref: SX46NE/527/11
• Old SAM County Ref: 1024

Monument Type(s) and Dates

• CALCINER (XVIII to XXI - 1751 AD to 2009 AD)

Full description

Timms, S., 1985, An Archaeological Assessment of the Remains of the Quay, Mine and Arsenic Works at Gawton, Tavistock Hamlets, 8.1, appendix (Report - Assessment). SDV352213.

8.1 - Site of calciner, 1895. Demolished Oxland type.

Dixon, T. + Matthews, A. + Pye A. R. + Slater, W. D., 1988, Gawton Mine and Arsenic Works. The Field Survey. 1988, 42 (Report - Survey). SDV222516.

Site of calciner depicted on 1895 survey. Documentary sources refer to an Oxland calciner in use at that time. Does not appear on 1892 map - probably not part of original arsenic works. Probably superceded by the Brunton calciners (PRN 43325) by 1897, when all traces would appear to have been removed. Other details: Fig 7. 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, 47 (Report - Assessment). SDV344672.

There are no above ground remains of the building, which appears to have been demolished when the four calciners were built. Other details: Figure 36, site 44.

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), 107-109, Photograph 48 and 49 (Report - Survey). SDV366131.

The Oxland Calciner preceded the Brunton Calciners (Site No. 43). Dressed ore was transported here from the Jigger House (Site No. 37) via the Tramway (Site No. 39). However, the Oxland Calciner was not in use for long, and appears to have gone out of use once the nearby Brunton Calciners were constructed. It is illustrated on the 1895 Ordnance Survey map but not the 1904 edition.
In 2006 the walls were found to be half their original height and the remains were almost entirely obscured by trees and brambles. It was recommended that the site should be fenced. It should be noted that the 2006 site plan (Figure 36) clearly illustrates the Site of Oxland Calciner (Site No. 44) in the position of existing structural remains but these are recorded in the gazetteer as Early Calciner Site (Site No. 45.1) and it is concluded that the description of standing remains included for Site No. 45.1 is actually that for the Site of Oxland Calciner, and that there are no surviving remains of the Early Calciner Site (this was confirmed by the landowner). Therefore, descriptions for these different elements have been transposed.
Only the northern elevation of the Site of Oxland Calciner survives. Walls to the south only survive as low remains, and are almost completely overgrown. Two brick arched draw/ stoke/furnace holes remained visible, although the interior appeared to be infilled with collapsed rubble. The masonry was not considered to be unstable, but poorly consolidated in places with stone and brick work frequently open jointed, localised collapses and slipped voids. Overall, the Oxland Calciner was assessed to be in medium condition.
The Oxland Calciner was located on a terrace, retained on its north side by a substantial wall, measuring up to 4 metres high, located between the Refinery House (Site No. 45.2) and the remains of the Oxland Calciner. The retaining wall appeared to be of stone construction, but was only viewed from distance. However, there were no obvious collapses and the retaining wall appeared to be stable.
The standing remains at the Site of the Oxland Calciner form an integral part of the Arsenic Refinery Complex (Site No. 45) and will contain important historic and evidential information relating to the production of arsenic, at a time when there was an increased focus on refining and the production of high-quality arsenic, so as to maximise profits. The remains are considered to be of high significance relative to other features and structures across the Site. Vegetation management, repairs and regular monitoring should be undertaken. Health and safety concerns relating to arsenic contamination may be an impediment to consolidating works on this structure. Should this be the case, it is recommended, that the area is fenced and a 5 metres buffer zone around the structure maintained clear of vegetation. Other details: Site No. 44.

Jon Avent, 2023, Gawton Mines, Gulworthy, Devon- Structural Condition Report, 20-21 (Report - Survey). SDV366140.

The principal masonry elevation remains reasonably stable but vegetation present to head restricting access for detailed assessment. Masonry not considered unstable but is poorly consolidated in places. Removal of vegetation and consolidation of wall heads and masonry consolidation required. The masonry within the furnace opening requires allowance for repairs and detailed inspection of opening heads is needed. Other details: Site No. 44.

Sources / Further Reading

Associated Monuments

Associated Finds: none recorded

Associated Events

• EDV3179 - 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
• EDV9133 - Gawton Mines, Gulworthy, Devon- Structural Condition Report

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