Drawing upon recent excavations by the National Trust and subsequent new research, this special day-time conference on 28 September at Dorset Museum & Art Gallery offers the opportunity to explore the Giant and other significant hill figures in Wessex.
The Cerne Giant, located outside the village of Cerne Abbas in Dorset, is one of the most iconic hill figures in the UK and is an important part of local culture and folklore.
The origin and date of the Cerne Abbas Giant has long been a matter for debate with advocates for a prehistoric origin, one connected to the period of the Civil War, and a more modern one. Following excavations conducted in 2020 by the National Trust in its centenary year of its ownership of the Giant, an accurate, scientifically verified date was provided – falling within the Anglo-Saxon period. This was surprising as it was a date not seriously considered previously by antiquarians, archaeologists or historians.
The conference held at Dorset Museum & Art Gallery on Saturday 28 September, will offer the opportunity to explore the findings of the project and its implications for the Giant in its local and Saxon context. With talks throughout the day from a number of archaeologists, academics and independent authors and researchers, the conference will take a multidisciplinary approach to the interpretation of the Giant as well as other other significant hill figures in Wessex including the Long Man of Wilmington and the Uffington White Horse.
Drawing on images and artwork depicting the Wessex hill figures as well as excavation reports, the various talks will explore how their significance and interpretation has changed across different contexts and time periods.
There will also be an opportunity to explore resources and displays in the conference hall on the day (including geophysical and auger surveys) and to meet contributors to the recent project and publication: ‘A Date with the Two Cerne Giants: Reinvestigating an Iconic British Hill Figure’. Copies of the publication will be on sale at the event.
Speakers include Dr Mike Allen (Allen Environmental Archaeology), Professor Timothy Darvill (Bournemouth University), Professor Martin Bell (University of Reading), Chris Butler (CBAS Ltd), Dr David Miles (former Chief Archaeologist, English Heritage), Paul Cheetham (Bournemouth University), Kate Adie (Author and Broadcaster), Professor Barbara Yorke (University of Winchester), Dr Sarah Fry (Institute of Historical Research, University of London), David Dawson (Wiltshire Museum) and Garry Gibbons (Independent Researcher).
Spaces are limited and pre-booking is essential. Tickets can be booked online at: https://www.dorsetmuseum.org/event/cerne-giant-and-other-wessex-hill-figures/
For more information about exhibitions and events at Dorset Museum & Art Gallery, visit https://www.dorsetmuseum.org/
PIC: Cerne Giant © National Trust Images/Ray Gaffney
With over 100 members any business in Dorset can join Dorchester Chamber from business for £60p/a (no VAT).
