Cerne Abbas Giant, Cerne Abbas, Nr Dorchester
If you are thinking of taking a holiday in or around Dorchester then you should look out for the Cerne Abbas Giant. The Cerne Abbas Giant or rude giant is set atop a hill at Cerne Abbas, in north Dorchester, Dorset, England and is the figure of a very large, naked man. The figure of the giant is actually carved into the side of the hill, as opposed to the general thought that it is simply marked out in chalk. Being an amazing 180 feet tall, to get a better view you can view it from either the other side of the valley or using a helicoptor tour, from the air.
The figure was made by digging a trench in the hillside, 12 ins wide by 12ins deep and cut into the chalk underneath the grass. The giant has a 120 feet high knobbled club in his hand. Experts were of the opinion in 1996 that the figure has changed over time, most likely as a knock on effect of various weather trends over the years. It is generally thought that the giant originally held a cloak in his other hand and was stood over a head that had been separated from its body. Much deliberation as to who the giant is supposed to represent has taken place. The strongest contender is the Roman god Hercules, who has often being represented with an animal fur and club in his hand.
While it is difficult to date the figure, most experts believe that it was probably done in the mid-eighteenth century as there is no recorded evidence of its having been mentioned before then.
