Secrets of dolmen and stone circle could be unearthed
A DAMAGED neolithic dolmen and a stone circle could be giving up their secrets, as archaeologists take advantage of golf course maintenance.
L’Ancresse Common is one of Guernsey’s richest archaeological sites, but its regular use by golfers can make accessing some of it a challenge.
As maintenance takes place next week, the specialists will be moving in.
Regular archaeology visitors the Clifton Antiquarian Club will be travelling over to dig a damaged dolmen by the sixth tee.
And the States of Guernsey archaeology team will also be hard at work by La Varde dolmen.
States archaeologist Phil de Jersey said this was a great chance to carry out investigations without having to worry about being hit by golf balls.
La Varde was rediscovered in 1811 after centuries filled with sand, and bone fragments and pottery was found, with the Lukis family exploring the site in the summers of 1837-38. Standing at the highest point of L’Ancresse, it is one of the island’s most visible dolmens.
But it still holds secrets.
‘The main aim is to find evidence of the circle of stones that Lukis recorded,’ Dr de Jersey said.
‘We are pretty sure they are still there, with some of them poking out through the soil.’
The team are planning to look at 10sq. m at the back of the dolmen site, where the circle intersects with old field boundaries.
Dr de Jersey said they hoped to find something they could date, such as charcoal, so they could understand better how the site was used.
‘It is about answering research questions and giving us more information about how the environment has changed over time.’
The common has faced various periods of inundation by sand, believed to have started in about the 7th century AD.
Dr de Jersey said the sand cover meant there might be quite a lot more to find on the common in the coming years, especially with modern technology.
Both digs are set to start on Monday and be finished by Saturday.
