One-of-a-kind Bronze Age dolmen to be investigated
A HIDDEN Bronze Age dolmen could be reopened to the public, if a housing development goes ahead.
The cist-in-circles monument was discovered in 1912 and is the only example of its type in Guernsey. But in recent years there have been problems with graffiti and vandalism.
The site is behind properties on all sides and cannot be seen by the public easily.
States archaeologist Dr Phil de Jersey said they were keen to open it up again and investigate the site further.
‘This gives us a chance to look at the site again,’ he said.
‘It has not been properly looked at since it was dug in 1912. It is hidden away, so it has not had the TLC it deserves, so possibly, as part of the GHA project, it will allow us to improve its setting.’
When it was first dug a large amount of pottery dating back to between 2500 and 1800BC was found, but no human remains.
After the dig it was partially backfilled and surrounded by railings, which were later removed.
A gate was installed in 2009 off the Sandy Hook Estate to try to protect the site.
It is proposed a T-shaped trench be made to the south of the site, which will cover the proposed access road area, as well as a long trench through the original excavation site.
It is hoped the investigative work will start in May and could take up to six weeks. All the work would be done by hand.
