Couperon Dolmen, Jersey, United Kingdom

Le Dolmen du Couperon is a Chalcolithic (3250 - 2250BC), 8m long capstoned chamber surrounded by a ring of 18 curb stones known as a 'peristalith'. Originally covered by a long mound what remains today is largely the work of restorers. When first excavated in 1868 the capstones had fallen into the chamber. These stones, including a porthole stone were lifted and placed as capstones. In 1919 the Société Jersiaise removed the porthole stone which had been incorrectly placed as a capstone and moved it to its current position at the eastern end of the chamber. Finds included a few flint flakes and pottery fragments.

The adjacent Le Couperon Guardhouse was built in 1689 of local stone, with brick lintels. It supported a battery on the headland above as a magazine and shelter for the members of the Jersey militia that served the battery. The battery commanded Rozel Bay and by 1812 consisted of two 24-pounder muzzle-loading guns that fired over a low wall, which has long disappeared.

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Prehistoric and archaeological sites in United Kingdom

User Reviews

Adrian Pandelet Barco (2 years ago)
Magic place! A hidden gem from the Neolithic, follow me on Instagram to discover more hidden spots like this one! Instagram: @apbarco

Craig (2 years ago)
Nice walk to see a bit of history.

Peter Colback (3 years ago)
All dolmens are good places… great little beach only there at low water. My mum said it is the same today as it was in 1949 when she was “courting” there…

David Horton (3 years ago)
Very disappointing pile of rocks

Emma Brown (Em) (3 years ago)
A good view from the top

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Photo from Flickr, copyright Following Hadrian

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