The Cerne Abbas Giant was probably first constructed in the late Saxon period, according to new analysis which has surprised archaeologists and historians.
The 180ft (55m) naked chalk figure brandishing a giant club overlooks the village of Cerne Abbas in Dorset.
Its origins and purpose have been shrouded in mystery, but experts can for the first time reveal the likely age of the giant.
The Cerne Abbas Giant in Dorset (Ben Birchall/PA)
Following state-of-the-art sediment analysis, National Trust archaeologists have concluded the giant was probably first constructed in the late Saxon period.
Independent geoarchaeologist Mike Allen, whose research is helping the Trust understand more about the landscape in which the giant was created, said the result is surprising.
Howling. Updated on 8 May 2021
This week, if you pottered along to the Mendip Hill near Cheddar, Somerset, you d probably have caught a glimpse of something a bit off: a huge chalk artwork of a lycan.
Local press reported the strange image on Monday, 3rd May after it popped up overnight - and seemingly had no idea what it was about or who made it.
Its true nature was revealed when Resident Evil Village came out on Friday - it was a Capcom PR stunt. And a pretty cool one, I ll admit.
The Somerset County Gazette sounded thrilled to find out one of their local hills had been used to promote a video game they d never heard of with a 58m high and more than 100m long chalk lycan.
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The restoration work on the shrine of St Amphibalus took more than a year to complete and numerous delays were caused along the way by the Covid-19 situation. With the exception of the face mask carving, the end result is exceptional and brings new life to the medieval shrine.
Dr David Carrington, director of Skillington Workshop, which carried out the work, said: The preservation of the surviving 14th Century carvings, the setting-out to allow restoration of missing sections and the interpretation and carving of these missing bits in the original spirit and style all presented unique challenges (via BBC).
The Reverend Canon Abi Thompson, Acting Dean of the cathedral, said that the newly restored shrine “creates a fresh focus for prayer, and is a beautiful way to tell part of the story of this extraordinary place to visitors”, who will have an opportunity to view the restored shrine when the cathedral reopens on May 17.
Origin of mysterious figure on Mendip Hills in Somerset explained
A hot air balloon pilot described seeing the monster figure while flying over Chew Valley at the weekend
Mysterious artwork appears on the Mendip Hills (Image: M&C Saatchi)
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A spokesperson for Cheddar Parish Council confirmed the white outline on the edge of the steep embankment in Shipham, near Cheddar, is an advertisement.
The 50 greatest British weekend breaks for 2021
Move over old-school mini-break, action-packed micro-adventures and chic coastal stays are in. Here are the very best Britain has to offer
10 April 2021 • 5:00am
Walking on sunshine: if you’re waiting for the opportunity to take a far-flung holiday, now is the perfect time to bridge the gap with a short break in Britain
Ah, the “mini break”. That must mean a 1950s headscarf and shades. An overpriced and impractical valise. A picnic hamper in the boot. And a drive to a country house retreat, where you shall waft around in floaty fabrics, and bathe in champagne, candlelight, sunsets and smugness.