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Summary

Waste tip to west of dressing floor buddles.

Location

Protected Status

• Scheduled Monument 1002667: Gawton arsenic mine and flue

Other References/Statuses: none recorded

Monument Type(s) and Dates

• SPOIL HEAP (XIX - 1801 AD to 1900 AD)

Full description

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

Timms, S., 1985, An Archaeological Assessment of the Remains of the Quay, Mine and Arsenic Works at Gawton, Tavistock Hamlets, 10.6, appendix (Report - Assessment). SDV352213.

10.6 - Dump noted on sources dating to 1895 ('burnt dump'), 1905, 1953, 1984.

Buck, C., 2006, Gawton Mine, Devon: Archaeological Assessment, 45 (Report - Assessment). SDV344672.

The 1904 Ordnance Survey map shows the extent of the waste tip west of the dressing floor buddles. It now covers a similar area, but the profile of the tip has been substantially reduced and altered since the mine closed, not only due to ground compaction but mainly to reprocessing activities and copper precipitation laundering. In the 1950s this main dump was excavated and taken to Luckett for re-processing. The tramway feature is no longer visible, although some of the deep vertical timber supports are likely to still be in situ. There is evidence for timber launders in the main spoil heap, where after closure of the mine in 1902, water was passed through it to create a solution high in copper salts which when passed over iron metal, formed copper precipitates. Other details: Figure 36, site 40.

Buck, C., 2006, Gawton Mine, Devon: Impact Assessment Report, 36-37 (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 on the dressing floor waste is the proposed creation of a footpath through the tip, following the route of a previously created track (possibly formed by lorries removing mine waste for re-processing). A new surface will be created as a protective layer to separate any arsenic/copper contamination at ground level, and a fence will be installed along the east side to restrict motorcycles, mountain bikes and the public from further damaging the spoil heaps and allow natural re-vegetation of the tops and sides. Other details: Figure 4, site 40; figure 21.

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), 100-101, Photograph 43 (Report - Survey). SDV366131.

The extent of the Dressing Floor Waste is shown on the 1904 Ordnance Survey map. The profile of the tip will have substantially reduced and changed since the mine closure, given reprocessing activities after the First World War, and the removal of mine waste from here for reprocessing in the 1950s at New Consols Mine, Luckett. In 2006 the Dressing Floor Waste was found to cover a similar area to that illustrated in 1904. Fencing was recommended on the south and east sides.
The Dressing Floor waste was found as described in 2006, with its larger extent wooded, although some waste spoil projected beyond the tree line to the north to form a steep, spoil scarp. The Dressing Floor Waste was assessed to be stable and in good condition. The Dressing Floor Waste will have altered significantly since its formative late 19th and early 20th century deposition. The exposed scarp face does form an important element of the setting and understanding of the mine and may contain evidential and historical value relating to dressing processes and waste deposition. The Dressing Floor Waste is considered to be of medium significance relative to other features and structures across the Site. archaeological remnants retained. Specialist advice could also be sort as to the stability of the scarp slope and slopes monitored. Other details: Site No. 40.

Sources / Further Reading

Associated Monuments

Associated Finds: none recorded

Associated Events

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

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