Standing before the Allée couverte dite cimetière des Anglais, you are in a place steeped in history. This monument, classified as a historic site in 1969, is a reminder of a bygone era. Built during the Neolithic period, it served as a burial site for generations of people who lived in the region. Its name, “The Cemetery of the English,” is a misconception stemming from the Hundred Years’ War when English soldiers were present in France. But in reality, the remains found date back to 4000 to 1750 BC.
In 1867, the site was excavated by Amédée de Caix de Saint-Aymour, who unearthed a treasure trove of artifacts. He discovered tools, weapons, and jewelry made of bone and stone – remnants of their daily lives and beliefs. These artifacts are now housed in museums, including the Municipal Museum of Senlis and the Institute of Human Paleontology in Paris, providing insights into the lives and beliefs of these ancient people.
There is a lot going on here, even though the massive structure is more of a rough, open air monument than a grand building. The giant slabs of sandstone and limestone are weathered and worn from time and the elements, forming a long, thin row to shelter the chamber. The size of the building isn’t so dramatic, it’s more the stories that give this spot its unique character. What we know is that the remains of around 400 people were found here, making this one of the most significant archaeological sites of this period in the region.
You can imagine them, these people from the Neolithic period living in this area, tending their crops, hunting animals and going about their lives. Imagine them coming here, to this very place, to bury their dead. They placed their loved ones within the chamber, and perhaps placed offerings alongside them.
In the years since then, the Allée couverte dite cimetière des Anglais has been a fascinating resource for archaeologists, and is even marked on the arms of Vauréal, the town that lies on the outskirts of Paris. It is a reminder of the long and rich history of the region, and it serves as a window into the past, a glimpse into the lives and beliefs of those who came before us.