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La Gran'mère du Chimquière: Guernsey's Ancient Grandmother

Discover Guernsey's ancient past at La Gran'mère du Chimquière, a Neolithic statue steeped in folklore and tradition, located at St. Martin's Church.

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La Gran'mère du Chimquière, or the Grandmother of the Cemetery, is a captivating Neolithic statue located at the entrance to St. Martin's parish church in Guernsey. This ancient menhir, dating back to 2500-1800 BC, has been a site of reverence for millennia, with locals often leaving flowers or coins as offerings for good luck and fertility.

A brief summary to La Gran’mère du Chimquière

Local tips

  • Leave a small offering of flowers or coins at the statue's base for good luck.
  • Visit during the spring or summer to see the statue adorned with fresh flowers.
  • Take a moment to appreciate the serene atmosphere and reflect on the statue's long history.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From St Peter Port, the island's capital, you can reach St. Martin's Church (where La Gran'mère is located) by bus. Several routes connect the town terminus with St. Martin. Check the latest bus schedules on buses.gg or the CT Plus app for the most up-to-date information. A standard daytime fare is £1.60, payable via contactless payment on the bus.

  • Walking

    If you are already in St. Martin, reaching the statue is a simple walk to the parish church, located on La Grande Rue. From most points in the village, it's easily accessible within a few minutes. The statue is located at the entrance to the churchyard.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Guernsey. A taxi from St Peter Port to St. Martin will cost approximately £10-£15, depending on traffic and the specific location within St. Martin. Island Taxis and Harvey's Taxis are two local providers.

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Discover more about La Gran’mère du Chimquière

La Gran'mère du Chimquière stands as a silent sentinel, guarding the entrance to St. Martin's parish church and whispering tales of Guernsey's ancient past. This statue-menhir, whose name translates to 'Grandmother of the Cemetery,' is a female figure carved from granite, standing 1.65 meters tall. Originally erected during the Neolithic period (2500-1800 BC), the statue was later reworked in the Gallo-Roman era (around 100 BC – 100 AD), with the addition of facial features, hair, and a buttoned cape. For thousands of years, La Gran'mère has been venerated by the local community. Flowers and coins are often placed at her feet or on her head, a tradition believed to bring good luck and fertility, especially to newly married couples. The statue's significance is deeply rooted in Guernsey's folklore, with many legends and stories surrounding her origin and purpose. Some believe she represents an earth goddess or mother figure, a symbol of fertility and abundance. Despite her pagan origins, La Gran'mère has coexisted with Christianity for centuries. In 1860, a churchwarden, deeming the statue an object of idolatry, ordered its destruction. However, the parishioners vehemently protested, and the broken statue was pieced back together and placed in its current location, just outside the churchyard. The visible crack serves as a reminder of this tumultuous event and the enduring respect the community holds for this ancient monument. Today, La Gran'mère du Chimquière remains one of Guernsey's most famous and intriguing landmarks, offering a glimpse into the island's rich prehistoric and cultural heritage.

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