See important guidance on the use of this record.

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

Summary

Two buddles on west side of engine house complex at Gawton Mine, shown on early 20th century Ordnance Survey map.

Location

Protected Status

• Scheduled Monument 1002667: Gawton arsenic mine and flue

Other References/Statuses: none recorded

Monument Type(s) and Dates

• BUDDLE (XIX - 1894 AD to 1895 AD)

Full description

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

Two circular features shown to west of engine house complex. Map object based on this Source.

Dixon, T. + Matthews, A. + Pye A. R. + Slater, W. D., 1988, Gawton Mine and Arsenic Works. The Field Survey. 1988, 40 (Report - Survey). SDV222516.

Two buddles located immediately west of the jigger-house, circular in shape with shillet walls. Any internal wooden lining is no longer visible, and any which survives is presumably covered and protected by vegetation. There are drainage holes visible in the middle of the northern sides, that of the easternmost buddle is especially well preserved. Other details: Figure 20.

Buck, C., 2006, Gawton Mine, Devon: Archaeological Assessment, 44 (Report - Assessment). SDV344672.

Two buddles, shown on the 1904 Ordnance Survey map, formed part of the automated dressing floor for the last phase of arsenic ore processing. Vegetation and earth build-up during the past century have almost completely hidden these two circular features, the vague outlines of which can just be seen. They are approximately 4.7 metres in diameter and 0.2 metres deep. It is possible that there are further rectangular settling pits nearby. Other details: Figure 36, site 38.

Buck, C., 2006, Gawton Mine, Devon: Impact Assessment Report, 23-24 (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. It is proposed that the easternmost buddle be excavated of its earth and leaf-mould build-up to reveal its stone/concrete floor and sides. These features would then be conserved to leave the site in such a way as to provide interpretation for visiting members of the public. Other details: Figure 11.

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

Map object based on this Source.

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), 97-98, Photograph 42 (Report - Survey). SDV366131.

The Dressing Floor formed part of the last phase of arsenic ore processing, where water was used to wash the ore and further discard unwanted material, prior to sending the dressed ore to the calciners for burning. Two buddles are illustrated here on the 1904 Ordnance Survey map, which would have been used to separate metallic ores from waste slimes, using their different specific gravities. In 2006, vegetation and earth had almost completely buried and concealed the two buddles. However, their vague outline was discernible, revealing a diameter of approximately 4.7 metres and depth of approximately 0.2 metres. It was considered possible that further rectangular settling pits were buried nearby. Although removal of vegetation and the newly formed soil would benefit the interpretation and understanding of the Dressing Floor, it was noted that this may then necessitate the need for conservation works.
The Dressing Floor was found to be as described in 2006, although only one of the stone lined buddles was securely identified. The vague outline of the second, to the west was not visible, although its general area was. Given that any surviving features associated with the Dressing Floor are buried, and unlikely to be disturbed, its condition was assessed to be good. The Dressing Floor will contain some 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 Dressing Floor is considered to be of medium significance. If in the future, structural features are exposed, then a re-assessment of significance should be undertaken. It is recommended that the site is retained with minimal disturbance. If future funds and/or interest make it viable, then the buddles and settling tanks could be located, cleared and conserved for public interest and interpretation. If this is to be the case, then sufficient funds should be in place for the proposed programme of works. Other details: Site No. 38.

Sources / Further Reading

Associated Monuments

Associated Finds: none recorded

Associated Events

• EDV4746 - Archaeological Assessment of Gawton Mine, Devon
• EDV4747 - Field Survey of Gawton Mine

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