Neolithic Longhouse volunteers

The 20-metre-long replica Neolithic Longhouse was built over two years by JH volunteers using authentic tools and techniques, managed by Ancient Technology expert Luke Winter.

Since it was officially opened in 2019, the Longhouse has proved to be a fabulous, immersive educational resource.

Volunteers perform day-to-day maintenance tasks, and act as guides, demonstrators, and interpreters to explain the project to visitors. The volunteers are continually researching, experimenting, and training to acquire more Stone Age skills to share, including basket-making, pottery, painting, weaving and flintknapping.

On Tuesday mornings (10am to 12.30pm) and on Thursdays (10am to 4pm), two members of the volunteer team tend a fire inside the Longhouse. The fire adds warmth and light to the building but a very important reason for lighting a fire is for the smoke to prevent insect infestation in the traditional thatch roof.

(Some Longhouse volunteers can demonstrate traditional fire making techniques – using a Bow Drill to light tinder.)

If a Longhouse volunteer is present during your visit, they will explain the methods used and the lessons learned during the build and talk about about Neolithic life.

If speaking to a Longhouse volunteer is going to be the highlight of your trip to La Hougue Bie, please call +44 (0) 1534 853 823 before you visit to check they are confirmed for that date.

Tuesdays – a fire is lit inside the Longhouse in the morning only, 10am to 12.30pm
Thursdays – a fire remains lit inside the Longhouse all day, 10am to 4pm