La Hougue Bie
Jersey (UK)
La Hougue Bie is a historic archaeological site located in the parish of Grouville, Jersey. It features a 20.4-meter-long Neolithic passage chamber covered by a 12.2-meter-high earth mound, making it one of the largest and best-preserved passage graves in Western Europe. The site dates back to around 4000-3500 BC and served as a ceremonial place rather than solely a burial site. The mound is topped by two medieval chapels from the 12th and 16th centuries, which were historically altered and at one point encompassed by the Prince's Tower built in the late 18th century. During World War II, the site was used as a lookout point and an underground command bunker was constructed within the mound, now open to visitors with exhibitions about forced laborers who built Jersey's German defenses. Managed by Jersey Heritage, the museum also houses an exhibit on the Grouville Hoard, the world's largest Celtic coin hoard, inviting visitors to explore the island's rich archaeological heritage. The site combines ancient ritual significance, medieval architecture, and modern history, offering a unique cultural experience.
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Astuce: Visitors are advised to visit between March and October when the site is open daily from 10am to 5pm, with shorter hours in November and December. Booking tickets in advance is recommended, especially for groups. Jersey Heritage members enjoy free entry, and various discounts are available for seniors, children, and group bookings. Limited parking is available, so using public transport or cycling is encouraged. The site offers facilities including a tearoom, gift shop, and free Wi-Fi. Assistance dogs are welcome, but other dogs are not permitted.
Faits intéressants
- •La Hougue Bie is depicted on the 2010 Jersey 1 pound note.
- •The passage grave allows sunlight to penetrate the chamber at sunrise during the spring and autumn equinoxes.
- •It is one of the largest and best-preserved passage graves in Western Europe, part of the Armorican Passage Grave group.
- •The Prince's Tower, built in 1792, was used as a signal station and was demolished in 1924.
- •The museum hosts an exhibition about the Grouville Hoard, the world's largest Celtic coin hoard, buried about 2,000 years ago.
Histoire
La Hougue Bie was constructed during the Neolithic period around 4000-3500 BC as a large ritual passage grave.
Excavated in 1925, it revealed pottery and human remains indicating its ceremonial use.
In medieval times, two chapels were built atop the mound, dating from the 12th and 16th centuries.
In the late 18th century, the Prince's Tower was constructed over the site as part of an island communication system but was demolished in 1924.
During World War II, the mound was adapted into a lookout and command bunker by German occupying forces.
Today, it preserves layers of history spanning prehistoric, medieval, and modern eras.
Guide du lieu
Neolithic Passage Grave4000-3500 BC
A 20.4-meter-long passage chamber covered by a 12.2-meter-high earth mound, dating from 4000-3500 BC. It served as a ceremonial site with burial functions, notable for its orientation allowing sunlight to enter the chamber during equinoxes.
Medieval Chapels12th and 16th centuries
Two chapels atop the mound, one from the 12th century and another from the 16th century, representing medieval religious architecture built directly on the prehistoric mound.
Prince's Tower Site1792-1924
Site of the former Prince's Tower, constructed in 1792 as a signal station for island-wide communication, later demolished in 1924. The tower once engulfed the medieval chapels.
World War II Command Bunker1940s
An underground command bunker built into the mound during German occupation in WWII, now open to the public with exhibitions commemorating forced laborers who built Jersey's defenses.
Grouville Hoard Archaeology Exhibit2000+ years ago
Museum exhibit showcasing the world's largest Celtic coin hoard discovered nearby, featuring 70,000 coins and jewelry buried about 2,000 years ago, exploring the history and reasons behind the hoard's burial.
Contact
Téléphone: 01534 853823
