Open Day – Tuesday 20th August
Mont Cochon, St Helier, Archaeological excavation of an Iron Age site
On Tuesday, the 20th of August, from 2:30 to 4:30 PM, a series of guided tours will be organized on-site by our team to provide insights into the ongoing archaeological excavation at Mont Cochon. The work began on the 5th of August and will continue until the 23rd of August.
Société Jersiaise Field Archaeologist Dr. Hervé Duval-Gatignol identified this site as a potential Iron Age farmstead in 2023. The excavation aims to shed light on a period of Jersey’s history that remains little understood today. Over three weeks, a team of students and members of the Archaeology Section of the Société Jersiaise, working under Dr. Duval-Gatignol’s direction, is striving to uncover evidence of ditches and enclosures that once delineated a farmstead similar to those found in Normandy or Brittany. Previous geophysical surveys suggest similarities to sites in France, and if the density of these farmsteads is comparable, it may indicate that Jersey had a significant population by the end of the Iron Age.
Two areas of excavation have been opened on-site to investigate the main enclosure ditches, as well as structures, pits, and other features within the enclosure’s interior. The guided tours will last approximately 30 minutes, are free of charge, and no booking is required. As the Société Jersiaise is a Registered Charity, donations are welcome from those who wish to contribute to the research program.
Please note that on-site parking is limited to individuals with reduced mobility. All others are encouraged to access the site from either First Tower or St. Andrew’s Park by any available means (see location plan).
