On the shoulders of giants: roaming among England’s famous chalk figures

The article delves into the enduring fascination with England's ancient chalk hill figures, focusing on the Long Man of Wilmington in East Sussex. The author recounts a visit to this giant figure on the steep scarp of the South Downs, noting that its original chalk lines are now reinforced with concrete blocks. The Long Man's origins are debated, possibly Anglo-Saxon and linked to the god Odin, or a later adornment designed to be viewed from the nearby priory. This mysterious figure has profoundly inspired numerous artists, writers, and musicians, including Lee Miller, Roland Penrose, and Benjamin Britten, who often perceived it as a protective spirit. The piece explores the rich history and cultural resonance these historical landscape carvings hold for those who seek their stories.