Is the mystery of the Cerne Giant finally solved? UK s largest chalk man was made in Saxon times in tribute to the God Helith and NOT to insult Oliver Cromwell (but his appendage may have been added later for laughs), scientists say
The National Trust has been working to correctly age Dorset s Cerne Giant
Archaeologists carried out sediment analysis of the chalk 3ft below the surface
This allowed them to date the era it was made to between 700 AD and 1100 AD
Historians predict the giant may depict an early Anglo Saxon god known as Heil
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.