In the Feathered Tree, Polly often likens Quinn to an ancient standing stone called the Long Stone which stands on Challacombe Common on Exmoor.

The Stone is 2 foot 2 inches wide (66cms) and 7 inches deep (18cms)

It stands 9 feet high (2 metres 74cms).

The ridge upon which it stands is one of the highest parts of Exmoor. To the south-east lies Long Stone Barrow and further east can be found Wood Barrow.

It is thought to have been erected in the Bronze Age, which means it is at least 2,900 years old.

Here is a picture of the Long Stone.

Quinn isn’t over 2 and a half metres tall, neither is he 66 centimetres wide – but you can imagine how Polly might see his size and strength in these terms.