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Summary

Crusher house on north side of engine house complex at Gawton Mine

Location

Protected Status

• Scheduled Monument 1002667: Gawton arsenic mine and flue

Other References/Statuses: none recorded

Monument Type(s) and Dates

• CRUSHING MILL (XIX - 1894 AD to 1894 AD)

Full description

Dixon, T. + Matthews, A. + Pye A. R. + Slater, W. D., 1988, Gawton Mine and Arsenic Works. The Field Survey. 1988, 38 (Report - Survey). SDV222516.

The northern crusher is located immediately to the north of the engine house on the same alignment and frontage as the southern crusher. It is two storeys in height with gable ends surviving on the western wall and partly surviving on the eastern wall. It held a Cornish Rolls Crusher which was used for crushing the ore with high arsenic content. Other details: Figure 20.

Buck, C., 2006, Gawton Mine, Devon: Archaeological Assessment, 43 (Report - Assessment). SDV344672.

The building is in a very precarious condition, given the nature of the masonry stone and the amount of timber in the walls. The front (west) wall collapsed a few years ago, leaving the side walls very vulnerable, especially the north wall. The east (rear) internal wall has lost an important lintel which has cause a great deal of masonry to collapse. Other details: Figure 36, site 36.

Buck, C., 2006, Gawton Mine, Devon: Impact Assessment Report, 21-22 (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. The impact of the conservation scheme on the grinder house will be to carry out conservation works to keep the remaining walls extant. This may entail localised rebuilding and stitching of the north wall, and repointing of the remnants of collapsed west wall. General works include the repointing of a high percentage of the upper walls to retain structural strength and replacing some timber lintels. Other details: Figure 4, site 36; figures 11, 13.

Ordnance Survey, 2010, MasterMap (Cartographic). SDV344030.

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), 92-94, Photographs 37, 38 and 39 (Report - Survey). SDV366131.

The Crusher House was located on the north side of the engine house and was the second stage of the process after the ore had been broken into smaller pieces in the ‘stonebreaking’ Ore Crusher (Site No. 31). In 2006 this building was assessed to be in a precarious condition. The front west wall had collapsed previously, leaving the side walls vulnerable. The east wall had lost an important lintel which had caused a section of masonry above to collapse. It was recommended that walls and wall tops were repointed, with possible rebuilds to part of the north wall and front west wall in order to maintain structural integrity. A number of rotting timbers would need replacing, and that localised restitching of masonry would be required. Vegetation clearance was also recommended, followed by a full structural survey.
The Crusher House was found to be in a similarly ruinous condition to that described in 2006. Masonry on the exterior ground around the north elevation suggests there may have been a localised collapse here since 2006. The walls and interior of the building were very overgrown inhibiting assessment. Masonry was considered unstable, and poorly consolidated. Fractures on the north side of the building were also noted. Masonry on the southwest corner was free standing to a high level, and poorly restrained. The Crusher House was assessed to be in poor condition and deteriorating. The Crusher House will contain important historic and evidential information relating to the production of arsenic at Gawton Mine, at a time when there was an increased focus on refining methods and the production of high-quality arsenic, so as to maximise profits. The Crusher House is of high significance. Vegetation management, wall repairs and regular monitoring should be undertaken. Other details: Site No. 36.

Jon Avent, 2023, Gawton Mines, Gulworthy, Devon- Structural Condition Report, 16-17 (Report - Survey). SDV366140.

Walls generally remain to full perimeter at low level although partial collapse to high level. Vegetation present restricting access. Masonry considered unstable and poorly consolidated. Fractures to wall on north side and slot opening on east side poorly supported. Southwest corner free standing at high level and poorly restrained. Control of vegetation essential along with isolated masonry consolidation. The slot opening to east wall should be infilled or locally propped. Other essential repairs include consolidating fractures to north wall. The south corner at high level is considered precarious. Fracture also present on west wall above low level opening. Other details: Site No. 36.

Sources / Further Reading

Associated Monuments

Associated Finds: none recorded

Associated Events

• 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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