Monument record MDO708 - Cerne Abbas Giant, Cerne Abbas

A turf-cut figure on the south-western end of Giant Hill. Previously thought to be Roman, now of less certain, possibly even post-medieval date. The figure represents a nude man striding left , holding a knotted club in his right hand, left arm outstreched. The nipples and ribs are represented, as is the phallus. The figure has been repaired and recut at various periods, a general repair having taken place in 1887.

The "Cerne Giant" (a) hill-figure is in a good state of preservation, and under the care of the National Trust; (Due to severe erosion of the turf around the monument, the perimeter fence has recently been enlarged to enclose the hill-figure and nearby earthwork (ST 60 SE 40 The public is requested to remain outside the fence). <6> Revised at 1:2500 on MSD. Changes in the Giant iconography 1764-1980. <7> The lack of documentary evidence concerning the Giant prior to the mid-c17th suggests either that it was cut in the post-Medieval period, or that it was not visible prior to the mid-C17th, the latter being the core. <8> A resistivity survey of the Giant in 1980 recovered the outline of a probable lion-skin over the Giants' left arm which would almost entirely link the Giant with hercules. The survey indicated that Sir Flinders Petrie plan of the Giant during the First World War seems to be the most accurate. <9>

Record last edited

Nov 23 2022 3:44PM