The area covered by the excavation belonged in the 18^th century to the Hibon family, and then from 1847 to Pierre Noël. The group of buildings shown on this plan was described in the bequest list as a sugar refining plant, an accommodation block and a shed. The land passed to Mr. Foucque and then to the current owner, Mr. Rivière, in the 20^th century. Several different crops - coffee, tobacco and sugar cane - are thought to have been grown in this area.