Archaeology Review - Autumn 2005

This summer has seen a rescue dig by the Section, which was arranged at very short notice. When expecting the Planning authorities to initiate an archaeological condition on a development site the Section offered to assist, in the event the Planning Committee did not make any archaeological conditions and the Section started a dig within four days of being permitted by the developers. The site is adjacent to the Société Jersiaise headquarters in the former bus garage being developed by Royal Yacht Holdings and thanks to the co-operation of the contractors we were able to progress rapidly. Two initial trenches were opened. One trench revealed a sea wall of large stones which was probably the first sea wall in this area built at the beginning of the 18th century prior to construction of 7 Pier Road. Records show that this might have been the landing place of Nicholas Fiott from his privateer ship, the Charming Betty around 1750. (Members will have noticed the date stone in the courtyard opposite the Members Room that rightly belongs to No. 7). The construction of the wall was recorded and by removing large boulders of up to a ton with a large machine we were able to expose a beach of pure sand where freash water had run off the land. The second trench immediately exposed evidence of a warehouse built on reclaimed land over a sandy beach at the beginning of the 19th century.

A seawall of large stones which was probably the first seawall in this area

This dig produced a collection of finds that will occupy many Thursday evenings of analysis before their significance can be determined. We hope that some of our members will be able to return to the site when the contractors are excavating to observe any further major structures being revealed.

Concurrently during the summer the Section has investigated the brick floor of the colombier at Samarès Manor at the behest of the Seigneur. This exposed an earlier granite floor, which may be 15th or 16th century. More non-intrusive investigation is ongoing to determine the age accurately.

The Section has also surveyed and recorded the nourrices in Rozel Bay at the request of the Receiver General.

No field walking has been achieved this year because the season produced a very quick replanting of the potato harvest. Members continue to visit ancient and prehistoric sites and report back to the Committee. We hope, through the Executive Committee and other bodies, to gain better protection of these sites. Our visits included looking at Hougue de Vinde, cleaning the St Cyr lavoir and lime kiln, at present a group is cleaning and recording La Fortunée lavoir with the co-operation of the National Trust for Jersey and the Connètable of the Parish of Trinité.

Jersey bricks and brick makers are being researched and a specimen collection is being assembled. So far, we have identified bricks marked with names of several of the Copp family, de la Mare, Le Huquet, Champion and Huelin, but if members have other interesting bricks found locally, the Section would be interested in recording them. Information or bricks can be sent via the office at No. 7 Pier Road.

John Clarke