A historic site near Jersey Zoo believed to contain remains of an early medieval defensive structure could receive greater protection after Jersey Heritage applied for an extension to its existing heritage designation.
The application relates to Les Câtieaux, also known as Le Chastel Sedement, where archaeologists believe there is significant potential for further discoveries.
The proposal emerged after Islanders noticed a public notice seeking to designate additional land as a ‘Site of Special Interest’ and questioned the significance of the fields behind the zoo.
Jersey Heritage has now confirmed that it applied for the extension after aerial surveys revealed evidence of archaeological features beyond the area already protected.
A spokesperson said the site was considered to have “great potential for much archaeology”.
Les Câtieaux is thought to have been an early medieval defensive work, with its origins linked to the period following King John’s loss of Normandy in the 13th century.
The structure is believed to have served as a refuge for people living on the eastern side of the Island, providing temporary shelter during raids in a similar way to Grosnez Castle.
Historians believe the site fell into disuse in the late 15th century, following the end of the raid era and the introduction of firearms.
Several fields at the site were already designated as Grade 2 listed in 2018 because of their special public and heritage interest.
Explaining the latest application, a Jersey Heritage spokesperson said: “The need for the proposed extension to the existing designation was identified through historic aerial mapping work, and an aerial survey carried out by the government in 2022.
“Aerial images, which Jersey Heritage is working its way through, clearly show the presence of the infilled outer ditch as a horizontal cropmark running across the centre of this field on a north-south alignment.
“This feature is clearly associated with other surviving earthworks, notably the ‘Keep’ in Field T915 and the outer perimeter earthworks that survive as part of the boundaries of Fields T796, T796A, T1405 and T1406.”
A spokesperson from the Infrastructure and Environment Department said the application was currently subject to consultation with landowners.
“Once completed, a decision will be made on the heritage status of the site,” they added.
