At 235 feet (72 m) tall, the Long Man of Wilmington is said to be the largest representation of a human form in Europe. However, despite its size and enduring fame, the mysterious chalk man has baffled historians for centuries, and there is still no explanation of how or when he was created. Some historians say he is from prehistoric times, others say that he was created by a monk between the 11th and 15th centuries.

Tom Rambler

December 31, 2018

The Long Man, 230 ft long and cut from the chalk downland, is claimed to be the largest representation of a human figure in western Europe and at the same time it remains to be the great mystery of the downs. His origins are obscure and many theories exist. He could be prehistoric, Saxon or medieval. The first known drawing from 1710 shows another foot position, facial features and other details. Originally only a carving in the ground, he could only be seen under certain light conditions and when a little snow had fallen. In the Victorian Era yellow stones were placed to emphasize the lines. The current figure is made of white concrete blocks.

David Howells

August 25, 2023

The Long Man of Wilmington cut into the chalk of the South Downs, has baffled archaeologists and historians for hundreds of years.

Many people are convinced that he is prehistoric, whilst others believe that he is the work of an artistic monk from the nearby Priory created between the 11th and 15th centuries.

There has been a lot of speculation as to his purpose. A fertility symbol? An Ancient warrior maybe? Early 18th century folly? An early representation of a Millwall fan?? No one knows? Visitors can view him from afar or walk across his form on the side of the Downs.

Middle Age Man

January 13, 2025

I can recommend visiting the Long Man of Wilmington (it isn't an ancient Fertility symbol more an artificial 17th century tourist attraction, more fool, the faux American witches I saw there several years ago). However I can't recommend leaving the Long Man pub down the road, at 7.30pm, in January, several days after it snowed and then several days of negative temperatures froze it in place, and then climb straight up past it. There is a path but we decided that would take far too long to divert to it. It was not surprisingly steep.

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Elevation 110 m

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Take Me There

Location: Long Man, Wealden, East Sussex, South East England, England, United Kingdom

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Long Man of Wilmington

1. The Long Man of Wilmington & the Litlington White Horse loop from Alfriston — South Downs National Park

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