Ancient dolmen drilled 'to extract quartz crystals'

Monday 09 November 2020

One of the stones that forms part of the ancient dolmen of Faldouet has been drilled into, leaving a hole of several inches, in an apparent attempt to extract quartz crystals.

The malicious damage was discovered on 25 October by members of the Archaeology Section of the Société Jersiaise and reported to the police.

The group found a hole of several inches across and of equivalent depth had been drilled into one of the stones supporting the capstone of the dolmen at Faldouet. It is believed this was done to extract quartz crystals.  

Pictured: The hole was drilled into one of the stones supporting the capstone of the dolmen at Faldouet.

La Pouquelaye de Faldouet is a Neolithic passage grave built around 6,000 years ago, which was first recorded in 1682.

Whilst many such sites in Jersey have been destroyed in previous centuries, the Société, who owns the site which is legally protected as a a Scheduled Site of Archaeological Importance, said that luckily this "spectacular site" has survived largely intact. 

They said that all evidence points to deliberate criminal damage of an historic site. The police have been informed and nearby residents, who reported hearing noises on the night of the 24 October, have been asked to inform the police, and to be on the lookout for any suspicious activity in future.

Pictured: Graffiti was discovered on the stones at Mont Grantez on 31 October.

On Saturday 31 October, members of the Société also found newly drawn graffiti on the stones at Mont Grantez. The dolmen is of a similar age and importance to that at Faldouet and is also a Scheduled Site of Archaeological Importance. 

"It is a shame that these wonderful monuments are drawing such negative attention and vandalism," the Société said, urging anyone with information to contact them or the police.

Any information can be reported to the police by calling 612612.