Why You Should Visit Cerne Abbas
Cerne Abbas is a quiet village in the heart of the Cerne Valley and home of the famous Cerne Giant. Visit Cerne Abbas to see the Giant.
The Cerne Giant is 180 feet long and 157 feet wide, and he holds a club in his right hand. The Giant can be seen from the car park on the A352, at the north side of Cerne Abbas. Visitors can also hike to the Giant via public trails. While nobody is absolutely sure why the giant is here, or who cut the giant in the turf, some people believe this is where fertility rituals were practised.
Some historians believe the giant dates from the prehistoric or Roman period. Other historians argue the giant was cut during the mid-seventeenth century.
The first reference to the Cerne Giant dates back to 1694 in the accounts of the warden at Cerne Abbas Church. (Three shillings was paid to re-cut the giant in the turf.) The first written reference of the giant is by John Hutchins in his Guide to Dorset, dated 1751.
Where is Cerne Abbas?Cerne Abbas is located in Dorset along the A352 between Sherborne and Dorchester. The nearest populated areas include Godmanstone to the south and Longburton to the north.
Map of Cerne Abbas, circa 1940.
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