Wilmington - Long Man

The Long Man of Wilmington, a gigantic figure cut out of the chalk hillside and standing out clearly from the grass-covered slope, is a truly impressive sight. It is similar to the Cerne Abbas chalk figure in Dorchester, but, at a height of more than 230ft/73m, is a good 33ft/10m taller. The figure is depicted supporting itself on either side with a staff, like the edges of a picture, and poses a puzzle. Its age and origin are unknown, but it probably dates from Saxon times (seventh century) and represents the heathen god Wotan. This is contradicted by the fact that it has been tolerated for so long by the monks of Wilmington Abbey; perhaps the pious brothers carved it themselves "for fun", as an old verse says. The first reference to this giant chalk figure occurs in 1764.