The Jersey Collection; Les Monts Grantez

If you are planning on visiting Jersey, the largest of the Channel Islands, and you want to explore some of its rich history, Les Monts Grantez is a fascinating place to head to.

One of several Neolithic passage graves in Jersey, Les Monts Grantez is around 6,000 years old. Small and simple-looking, the grave is a such an understated glimpse into the past. It is older than the Pyramids of Giza and Djoser!

It was discovered in the early 1800s and was finally excavated in the early 1900s. The skeletons of six adults and one child were found in the chamber, one in the side chamber and the remains of a ninth. Animal bones, shells and pebbles were also found in there, as well as bowls, vases and other objects. There is a passage leading out from the chamber and the site is surrounded by a waist-high wall.

Visiting Les Monts Grantez now, you would never guess just how old it is. Surrounded by green fields and not far from beautiful sea views, it’s a cool place to explore. As you might be able to see, there were dried flower heads on the outer slab of the chamber, which I discovered were most likely used in a ritual, as the slab is often used as an altar in Wiccan practices.

Les Monts Grantez is a really intriguing site, for both history buffs and explorers alike. It does not have floods of people visiting, so you can go and enjoy it peacefully in your own time. However, its rural location does mean that it cannot be easily accessed by public transport.

Definitely worth visiting and amazing to see what people were building 6,000 years ago!