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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The Dolmen dit de la Grosse-Pierre, also known as the Dolmen du Bois de la Pierre, is a megalithic monument located in the Bois de Saint-Laurent, 4 km northeast of Boissy-Maugis, now integrated into the commune of Cour-Maugis sur Huisne. This site, dated from the Neolithic, is distinguished by its quartzite cover table measuring 4.60 m long by 2.70 m, supported by four pillars in garrison. Excavations carried out in 1858, 1860, 1868 and 1884 revealed objects such as polished axes and a scraper under and around the monument.

The dolmen was listed as historical monuments on 4 April 1949, recognizing its archaeological and heritage significance. It is located in the department of Orne, in Lower Normandy (now Normandy), and its exact location is referenced in the Merimée base under the code INSEE 61050. Although its geographical accuracy is considered "a priori satisfactory", the site remains a remarkable testimony of the funeral and cultural practices of Neolithic in this region.

The objects discovered during the excavations, such as the polished axes and the scraper, suggest a use of the site for ritual or funeral purposes, typical of the dolmens of that time. These artifacts, combined with the megalithic structure, provide valuable insights into the lifestyles and beliefs of local neolithic populations. The Dolmen de la Grosse-Pierre is thus part of a wider network of megalithic sites in the Orne, reflecting an ancient and organized human occupation in this part of France.

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