Dolmen of Weris

The "dolmen of Wéris" ( dolmen of Wéris ) - later called the "allée couverte nord" (northern passage tomb) - was already a well-known monument around 1850. The Belgian State bought it in 1882 for the sum of 1200 BEF. Excavations took place from 1888, but only in the early eighties of the twentieth century did the more scientific excavations begin with François Hubert.

The dolmen (dolmen) of Wéris has a north-northeast orientation . The total length is 10.80 m. It consists of a rectangular burial chamber (interior dimensions: L 6 mx average width 1.70 mx H 1.50 m) and a short, uncovered vestibule . The room is enclosed by 4 supporting stones, on which lie 2 capping stones that form the roof. One of those capstones weighs about 30 tons ! Menhir A with its 2.84 m high could well be an indication menhir . This would therefore serve to indicate the place. The two entrance stones, with a semi-circular opening at the top, are held in place by two upright stones. The porch is demarcated by two recumbent stones. At the back is a large stone, why it is still a mystery.

François Hubert, archaeologist, considers it quite possible that the slope to the east of the dolmen (the hunebed) extended beyond the dolmen in the time of the megalith builders . For example, the monument would probably have been covered with an earthen mound . The field road east of the dolmen is in the same place, but a little higher, as where the Gallo-Roman road ran through the fields. This road is still called "Chemin des Romains" (Roman Road) today.

Excavations in and around the dolmen (dolmen) of Wéris yielded some objects from the Neolithic (new Stone Age), from the transition between the Stone and Bronze Ages, as well as from the Gallo-Roman period. The human bone and tooth remains found prove that this monument was used as a grave by several individuals, young and old, in the Neolithic Age.

Besides menhir A, there are two other menhirs in front of the dolmen and several stone blocks (pieces of menhir?) are lying near the dolmen.

Willem Vandenameele