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Natural Monuments

Jersey

Les Blanches Banques Standing Stones and Burial Chamber

Discover
Places to see

Natural Monuments

Jersey

Les Blanches Banques Standing Stones and Burial Chamber

Highlight • Historical Site

Les Blanches Banques Standing Stones and Burial Chamber

Recommended by 24 hikers out of 25

This Highlight is in a protected area

Please check local regulations for: Jersey National Park

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    Best Hikes to Les Blanches Banques Standing Stones and Burial Chamber

    4.9

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    1. Plémont Bay – St. Ouen's Bay loop from St. Ouen

    27.1km

    07:17

    340m

    340m

    Expert hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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    Expert

    Expert hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

    Expert

    4.5

    (2)

    33

    hikers

    Intermediate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

    Intermediate

    Tips

    June 17, 2019

    The sand dunes of St Ouen’s Bay are recognised as among Europe’s most important sand dunes. Les Blanches Banques, as they are called, are designated as a site of special interest (SSI) because of their special zoological, botanical, archaeological and historical features. As the most extensive area of sandy soils in Jersey, the dunes support good populations of many animals and plants not found elsewhere in Jersey. The site is mostly publicly owned and covers 1.15 km², from the marram grass-covered seaside dune, back towards the scrubby wooded valleys at Les Quennevais.
    The earliest likely settlers of Les Blanches Banques were the Neolithic (6,000-4,500 years ago) and their flint scatters can be found outside rabbit burrows to this day. Evidence of settlers since this early date include several menhirs or standing stones and a burial chamber known as the Ossuary where the jumbled bones of 20 people have been uncovered. For more information please see blog.gov.je

      June 21, 2019

      The Ossuary (Burial Chamber):
      This Chalcolithic rectangular cist grave (2850-2250BC) was excavated in 1923 and partially reconstructed in 1972. It contained the disarticulated remains of around twenty individuals. The human remains consisted mainly of skulls and long bones which suggests that the site was a repository for bodies that had been exposed and de-fleshed elsewhere. Two decorated pots called Jersey Bowls were found in the grave.

        June 21, 2019

        In addition to this Burial Chamber there are a total of >>> 3 Standing Stones (Menhirs) <<< in these dunes! Have fun finding them! 😉

        The three menhirs or standing stones are: the Broken Menhir and Little Menhir close to the Ossuary and the Great Menhir on rising ground 350 metres to the south (2850-1500BC) They were all excavated and restored during the 1920s. It is not known whether these stones had a ritual use or whether their function was entirely practical, perhaps as boundary markers. Source: jerseyheritage.org

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          Elevation 60 m

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