Scheduled MonumentsEnglandHill figure called The Giant

Hill figure called The Giant

England
List entry 1003202
Nation
England
Boundary

Scheduled area

© Mapbox · © OpenStreetMap contributors · Boundary data © Historic England (NHLE)

Overview

History & significance

The Giant is a hill figure located on the chalk downland near Cerne Abbas in Dorset. The figure depicts a naked male form and measures approximately 180 feet in length, executed in the distinctive scouring technique whereby the turf is removed to expose the underlying chalk. The date of the figure's creation remains contested among scholars, with some arguing for a Neolithic or Iron Age origin, though more recent archaeological assessment suggests a seventeenth-century date of manufacture. The figure has become one of England's most recognisable hill figures and remains an important local landmark and subject of ongoing historical and archaeological study.

Hill figure called The Giant is a scheduled monument protected by Historic England under reference 1003202. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Hill figure called The Giant?

The Giant is a hill figure located on the chalk downland near Cerne Abbas in Dorset. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic England (NHLE) under reference 1003202.

Who is responsible for protecting Hill figure called The Giant?

Hill figure called The Giant is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, legally protected by Historic England (NHLE) — the body responsible for designating and safeguarding heritage sites in England. The official designation reference is 1003202.

What other scheduled monuments are near Hill figure called The Giant?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Group of barrows in Seven Barrow Plantation (9.4 km), Barrow E of Red Barn (9.8 km), Earthwork N of Hampton Plantations (9.8 km).

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