Cerne Giant Make Over Including His Penis
Largest penis?
That’s got you attention!
A giant chalk figure carved on a Dorset hillside in the UK is getting a make-over!
The huge figure with an equally large erect male phallus has been on the hillside since the 16th Century if not longer. And this work is being carried out in the 100th year since it has been in the ownership of the National Trust.
Special access for thetraveltrunk today to report on this 10 yearly event by the National Trust.
Measuring 60 metres (180ft) tall the Cerne Abbas Giant stands holding a large club in his right hand. It will be re-chalked by hand by dozens of volunteers over the next two weeks.
The ancient Cerne Giant volunteers working on the giant club.
It was last refreshed in 2008 and since then the weather has taken its toll. Leaving the Giant discoloured with weeds gradually taking hold and blurring its previously sharp outline.
Cerne Giant Owned By The National Trust
Natalie Holt, Countryside Manager for the National Trust, says: “Re-chalking the Giant is challenging in many ways not only due to its size but because of the sheer steepness of the slope he’s on.
Pounding the new chalk into place by just some of the volunteers.
“It needs re-doing every ten years or so because he does get discoloured, weathered and covered in weeds. So, the first job is to dig out all the old chalk before hammering in 17 tonnes of new chalk.
Helpers of all ages getting stuck into the work on the steep hillside.
“The giant is vulnerable to erosion from rainwater which can collect in its chalk outline and run down the hill at speed. Therefore, it’s important for us to ensure that the chalk is packed as tightly as possible.
The section is probably the most famous.
Many volunteers turned up at the site to assist with the work under the direction of the trust’s staff. As did many parents with their children who joined in with the work as it is still the school holidays.
Local mother and daughter at work, Charlie and young Lily Langlands, left.
It lies on a very steep, high quality chalk grassland and is a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Which has a huge range of wildflowers growing there. These include orchids, thyme, marjoram and small scabious. Plus, it is an important site for butterflies including the Marsh Fritillary and Duke of Burgundy.
The Hillside Has Many Rare Plants Growing There
The origin of the ancient figure – which stands naked and brandishes a 40 metre (120ft) long club -remains shrouded in mystery, with ideas ranging from a depiction of ancient gods to aiding fertility.
Dozens of volunteers and families have been invited by the National Trust to help reinstate it on the steep hillside.
Mike Clark from the Cerne Historical Society said: “Some claim he is an ancient symbol, perhaps a likeness of the Greco-Roman God Hercules, though the earliest recorded mention of the Giant only dates from 1694.
The ancient Cerne Giant and it’s famous manhood on full display for all to see!
“Others suggest he was created to mock Oliver Cromwell. These are the most favoured theories but all of them have their drawbacks.
The view point is the best place to see as the steep walk will have you gasping for breath!
“Local folklore has also long held him to be an aid to fertility.”
Couples have been known to climb up there and make love on very dark nights. Although once the re-chalking work has finished it should be left alone for just nature and the sheep that graze there at suitable times of year to do their thing.
The Giant has at times been defaced. The latest incident was when the team promoting a film made by Sacha Baron Cohen or Borat as he is known! A large ‘mankini’ was placed over the figure.
And just how big is the penis?
Well its 36feet!
Is that the largest penis in the world or do you know different?
