Bringing the Stone Age to life...

Sunday 24 March 2019

Jersey's Stone Age past has been brought to life after 8,500 hours of work by volunteers using only traditional tools and authentic techniques to create a 20-metre replica Neolithic Longhouse.

With a thatch roof and wattle and daub walls, the Longhouse will provide a new attraction for visitors to La Hougue Bie, as well as an educational resource for schoolchildren to learn hands-on about the Neolithic period.

Pictured: The volunteers that helped build the Longhouse.

It was built by a team of volunteers, under the supervision of UK ancient technology expert Luke Winter of Historic Concepts, who was involved in the creation of five Neolithic houses at the Stonehenge Visitors Centre.

The project first started in September 2016 with core volunteers being trained in Neolithic techniques, such as mud daubing, thatching, bark-stripping and making cordage from stinging nettles and brambles.

I was delighted to officially open the ‘new’ Neolithic Longhouse at La Hougue Bie on this day of vernal equinox. It is a truly amazing construction with some 9000 work-hours, 130 volunteers and 18 core staff. @loveheritage #JerseyCI #CulturalJersey

Well done to all involved. pic.twitter.com/LAfpB0N27I

— Montfort Tadier (@DeputyTadier) March 21, 2019

The Longhouse was officially opened on Thursday, on the Spring Equinox, by Deputy Montfort Tadier, Assistant Minister for Culture. In keeping with Neolithic 'customs' and. Deputy Tadier used cordage and a replica stone axe, rather than the usual scissors and ribbon.

Olga Finch, Jersey Heritage’s Curator of Archaeology, said: “This unique project brings to life Jersey’s Stone Age past. It will help us learn more about the daily lives of our Neolithic ancestors and allow schoolchildren and visitors to see, and feel, what life was like nearly 6,000 years ago.”

Pictured: The Longhouse will be used as an educational resource for Jersey’s schoolchildren.

Paying tribute to the volunteers who built the timber-frame Longhouse, Ms Finch added: “Over the last two years, more than 140 volunteers have given their time, including a core team of 18 committed individuals, primary schoolchildren and corporate volunteers.

"It took them more than 8,500 hours to build the Longhouse over two years, and in all weathers. Without their dedication and hard work, the Neolithic Longhouse project would not have been possible and we are hugely grateful for all of their efforts.

Volunteers will continue to maintain the Neolithic Longhouse, interpreting it for visitors and demonstrating craft skills, such as pottery, weaving and woodwork.