the german occupation and museum

The German Occupation
On the 10 March 1942 the German forces started to build a battalion command bunker into the western side of the Neolithic mound and over the next few years a total of 70 trenches were dug in the grounds. Archaeologically the damage was extensive.

The bunker is now a memorial dedicated to the suffering and courage of the thousands of men, women and children who were transported to the Channel Islands as forced workers during the Second World War. The memorial reflects on the circumstances surrounding this tragic episode of our history. It uses testimony and images to illustrate aspects such as where these people came from and the appalling conditions under which they were forced to work. Many of the workers are known to have died in the islands but for others the islands were just another stage in their journey towards death.

The Museum
Jersey is an island rich in archaeological evidence created by generation upon generation of human activity. The archaeology gallery traces this fascinating story of Jersey's human past, beginning with the arrival of the first people a quarter of a million years ago. Using spectacular displays of artefacts and accounts of excavations the story concludes in 1500 with the fortificaton of the island, brought about by the constant threat of war and invasion.

Neolithic House
In the meadow there is a reconstruction of a Neolithic house, which is used by island school children as part of their history lessons. They have been responsible for daubing the walls and organising the interior. At certain times of the year they come up to the site to cook over open fires, grind corn and try their hand at the bow drill.

Come and discover the crafts and skills of Neolithic people, during the school summer holidays, with hands-on activities including pottery, tool, jewellery and string making.

Archaeologists at Work
Research is carried out at La Hougue Bie by members of the archaeology section of the Société Jersiaise. A major part of their work is devoted to discoveries from rescue excavation in the town of St Helier which started in 1971 and still continues today.

Geologically, Jersey is unique and in the geology gallery numerous specimens are used to illustrate this, starting with the oldest rocks in the island dating from about 900 million years ago and continuing through more recent geological time.