Chalk giant's origins to be explored at conference

Sediment analysis has revealed the giant's Saxon origins

A conference to discuss one of England's best-loved chalk hill figures is to be held in Dorset.

The event at Dorset Museum will examine the origins of the Cerne Abbas Giant after excavations revealed it was created during the Anglo-Saxon period.

Archaeologists, academics, authors and researchers will give talks about the findings at the event on 28 September.

Other Wessex hill figures - the Long Man of Wilmington and Uffington White Horse - will also be discussed.

The origins of the giant at Cerne Abbas, near Dorchester, have been debated for centuries with speculation it may have been prehistoric or even a depiction of Oliver Cromwell.

In 2021, state-of-the art sediment analysis carried out for the National Trust, with the University of Gloucestershire, Allen Environmental Archaeology and the Pratt Bequest, was able to reveal the giant's true age.

September's conference will use images, artwork and excavation reports to explore how the significance and interpretation of the hill figures has changed through time.

Displays in the conference hall will include geophysical and auger surveys.

Speakers are set to include Dr Mike Allen of Allen Environmental Archaeology, Prof Timothy Darvill of Bournemouth University, Prof Martin Bell of University of Reading and Prof Barbara Yorke of the University of Winchester.

Advance booking is essential.