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Famous UK tourist attraction almost had its massive penis COVERED up after complaint that it ‘offended Christian values'
THE Home Office once suggested covering up the Cerne Abbas Giant's manhood with shrubbery.
It came after a prudish member of the public complained that the 35ft chalk penis was an 'obscenity that offended Christian values'.
The whiner claimed that two bishops and other religious leaders supported his view — and it forced the Home Office to raise the 'serious charge of indecency against a prehistoric monument' with the National Trust.
But Cecil Yates, an official at the Home Office, added in a letter in 1932: 'What does the complainant want us to do?
'Plant a small grove of fig trees in a strategic position?'
And in an official response to the moaning prude — a man called Walter Long, he said: 'The Secretary of State regrets that he cannot see his way to take any action in the matter.'
The 180ft Giant — a bald, naked man with an erection and carrying a club — is etched in chalk on a hillside in Cerne Abbas, Dorset.
It was created by the Anglo-Saxons in the 8th century as a tribute to god of health Helith.
Mr Long's pre-war complaint was uncovered by writer and local historian Karen Heaney as she carried out research for a new book on the landmark.
Karen, 64, of Netherbury, said: 'It made me smile to think the Giant was controversial even back then.
"The Home Office official wasn't sure what they were expected to do about it.'
In 2023, The Oxford Cheese Company caused upset by branding a vintage cheddar range with the Giant — but covering his appendage.
