See important guidance on the use of this record.

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

Summary

Tunnel under access track and waste dump for incline tramway between King's Shaft and engine house complex.

Location

Protected Status: none recorded

Other References/Statuses: none recorded

Monument Type(s) and Dates

• TUNNEL (XIX - 1801 AD to 1900 AD)

Full description

Dixon, T. + Matthews, A. + Pye A. R. + Slater, W. D., 1988, Gawton Mine and Arsenic Works. The Field Survey. 1988, 17 (Report - Survey). SDV222516.

The incline is carried underneath the track to the quay by means of a brick arched tunnel. The access road revetment wall is constructed slightly higher above the tunnel mouth than it is on either side, and also consists at this point of horizontally coursed shillet as opposed to the rest of it which consists of vertically set shillet. The two wallings do not seem to be bonded into each other and thus the tunnel may well be an insertion. The southern end of the tunnel is not now visible, presumably having been covered with slippage from the mine dumps.

Buck, C., 2006, Gawton Mine, Devon: Archaeological Assessment, 46 (Report - Assessment). SDV344672.

The tramway went under the acess track and part of the dressing floor waste tip via a tunnel. This brick arched incline tunnel has now collapsed. Other details: Figure 36, site 41.1.

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), 102-103, Photograph 44 (Report - Survey). SDV366131.

The Incline Tunnel at SX 45118 68795 carried the Incline Tramway under part of the Dressing Floor Waste (Site No. 40). In 2006 it was recommended that the site of the Tunnel was retained, along with any associated archaeological remains. The Incline Tunnel portal on the west side of the track was located. This feature appeared to have been recently exposed, with vegetation removed from the general area, and infill within the tunnel partly excavated to a depth of approximately 5 metres. The tunnel and portal entrance comprised a double course brick header arch, atop stone sidewalls. The external face of the portal with its brick arch and stone sidewalls was widely open jointed, but within the interior there were no obvious collapses or failures, to a partially revealed depth of approximately 15 metres. Visible elements of the tunnel and portal were assessed to be in medium condition. Although there is a relative lack of visible surviving evidence for most of the route the Incline Tramway, the tunnel and brick arched portal beneath the track are rare surviving elements. They will contain important evidential and historic value relating to the construction and use of the Incline Tramway. On this basis the Incline Tramway, but in a particular the tunnel and portal, are considered to be of medium significance, relative to other features and structures within the Site. The brick and stonework to the tunnel portal should be repointed for stability, otherwise, generally, it is recommended that the site is maintained with minimal disturbance and any archaeological remnants retained. Vegetation management, repairs and regular monitoring should be undertaken. Consideration should also be given to fitting a lockable, grilled gate, to preclude ready access. Other details: Site No. 41.1.

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.