Construction of menhir Néolithique (≈ 4100 av. J.-C.)
Estimated period of erection of the monument.
1889
Historical monument classification
Historical monument classification 1889 (≈ 1889)
Official list protection.
1939-1945
Travel by Germans
Travel by Germans 1939-1945 (≈ 1942)
Couched during the airport expansion.
septembre 1997
Menhir adjustment
Menhir adjustment septembre 1997 (≈ 1997)
Resettlement near D611.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
Menhir (cad. A 668): ranking by list of 1889
Key figures
Information non disponible - No character cited
Sources do not mention any historical actors.
Origin and history
The Menhir de la Grande Pierre is a megalithic monument dating from the Neolithic period, erected in the current territory of Maupertus-sur-Mer, in the department of the English Channel. Consisting of a natural block of puddingue (gaskets cemented by sandstone), it is 4 meters high for a base of 2.20 meters wide. Originally, he stood in the Clos de la Pierre du Levant before being moved to his current location, at the edge of the departmental road 611.
During World War II, the Germans laid and buried him during the expansion of the neighbouring airport. He was rearranged and resettled in September 1997 at his current location. Ranked as historical monuments in 1889, this menhir testifies to the ancient human occupation of the region and its funeral or symbolic practices.
The site is now accessible near the D611, on the Maupertus-sur-Mer plateau. Its early protection (1889) underscores its heritage importance, while its geological composition (poudingue) and its dimensions make it a remarkable example of Norman megaliths. No detailed archaeological excavation is mentioned in the available sources, but its recent history (movement, reclamation) is well documented.
Announcements
Please log in to post a review