CERNE ABBAS & THE GIANT

 Of course, Cerne Abbas is renowned for the huge chalk carving of The Giant. This Scheduled Ancient Monument lies just north of the village, and there is a well-designed viewing point where you can see him in all his glory

The Giant is a 180 ft high ancient chalk figure carved out into the steep sloping hillside above the village.

The origins of the Giant, now owned by the National Trust, are a mix of fact and speculation. Some believe that he represents the Roman god Hercules or that he is a Pagan fertility symbol. There is no known historical record before 1694, however recent studies suggest the giant was first made by the Saxons between AD 700 and 1100.

The name "Cerne" may be a reference to Cernunnos, a Celtic fertility god. During the 19th century, the ditches that make up the giant's penis were filled in with dirt by prudish Victorians.

However, there is far more to Cerne Abbas than just the giant. Take the time to wander down into the village itself. It's really quite beautiful, with a wealth of houses dating from Early Tudor times to the Georgian period. There's several little tea rooms and public houses too.

A Benedictine monastery was founded there in the 10th century, but only the porch to the Abbot's hall remains. There is also a 14th. century tithe barn.

Despite the loss of the Abbey the village managed to not just survive but prosper; Cerne’s fresh underground water supply fuelling a highly successful brewing trade. The quality beer was sold as far afield as London and was even exported to the Americas. Due to this industry, Cerne Abbas at one time boasted no fewer than 15 public houses with a population of only 1500. Waterpower also gave rise to many other small industries including milling and silk weaving.

(above) Tudor houses in Abbey Street, opposite the church. (below) Georgian house next door, at no.1 Abbey Street.

(above) The New Inn in Long Street, one of 15 inns that used to stand in Cerne Abbas.It has carved stonework from the abbey ruins in the east wall and a pump dated 1774. Until 1860, courts were held in the main bar, and prisoners were held in what is now the ladies' toilets!

Until 1914, villagers paid their rent to the Pitt-Rivers estate, and received a threepenny beer voucher in return.