Sussex Mysterious Giant…
The Long Man of Wilmington
Mysterious, monumental, and still unsolved - the Long Man of Wilmington has been watching over the South Downs for centuries. At 235 feet tall, this chalk giant has sparked endless theories: guardian spirit, fertility symbol, pagan god… or just a medieval prank? Whatever his origin, he remains one of Sussex’s greatest mysteries.
The Long Man of Wilmington is one of Sussex’s greatest enigmas. First recorded in 1710, many believe he is far older - perhaps a prehistoric guardian, a Roman marker, or even a medieval creation by monks. Early sketches show him with a face, feet, and a broader frame, details now lost to erosion or deliberate change. Some even claim he once had a twin, symbolising balance or the cycle of life and death. Folklore paints him as a giant turned to stone, a guardian spirit, or a pagan god aligned with the solstices. Whatever his origins, the Long Man endures as more than chalk on a hillside: an icon of Sussex that continues to inspire awe, mystery, and gatherings on the Downs.
