Cerne Abbas Giant

The 180ft tall club-wielding man has long been regarded as a sign of fertility due to his large, erect phallus. It is not agreed how old the Cerne Abbas Giant is, but the most likely explanation is that he depicts Hercules, the god with super- human strength. Hence he was probably created as a pagan idol during the Roman occupation of Britain in the 2nd century AD. There is some evidence that the Giant may once have carried a cloak over the left arm and a severed head in his hand. Access into the enclosure is not permitted.

Road Directions

The village of Cerne Abbas is located eight miles north of Dorchester on the A352. There is a lay-by viewpoint and parking area adjacent to A352 for the Giant.