Sometimes referred to as the "Rude Man", the Cerne Abbas Giant is the largest hill figure in the UK standing 180 feet tall. The first written reference to the giant was made in 1751, by historian John Hutchins. There is some debate as to the giant's actual age, he might date back to the Iron Age, or be no older than the mid 17th century as suggested by John Hutchins, however, a nearby Iron Age earthwork would suggest the earlier date. It is also thought that the giant once carried an animal fur or cloak over his left arm and this similarity to depictions of the God Hercules might hint at a creation date during the Roman occupation of Britain. Folklore suggests that the giant was once a real Danish giant who, whilst invading England, fell asleep on the hillside and was promptly slain by the locals where he lay. The giant has (for somewhat obvious reasons!) long been associated with fertility rites and a Maypole once stood just above the giant's head.