Lost Gods of Albion: The Chalk Hill Figures of Britain

by Paul Newman, Tim Darvil (Foreword by)

A uniquely British phenomenon, the 30 or so figures cut into the turf of southern England have excited antiquarians, archaeologists, and the general public for generations. However, their origins are enigmatic. Paul Newman shows how hill-figures reveal Britain’s darkest past: Druid massacres, conjectured human sacrifice, and strange phallic and pagan rites that in milder form survive even today. In recent years much has changed in the world of hill-figure studies, most significantly perhaps the absolute dating by scientific means of early silts incorporated into the Uffington White Horse, which can now be seen to date from around 1000 BC. These and other discoveries and reinterpretations are among the many features which make this book essential reading for all those who have been captivated by the potent symbolism of chalk hill-figures. 

Genres: Nonfiction, History, British Literature

240 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 1998

Reviews

[Kevin Tole · Rating 3 out of 5]

Strange book. Neither one thing nor the other.

[Kirsten · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very interesting look at the most famous and mysterious of the British chalk hill figures, including the exceptionally virile Cerne Giant and the stylishly strange Uffinton Horse. Newman gives an evenhanded overview of the prevailing theories regarding their origins in scholarly yet accessible language. The book could have benefitted greatly from more illustrations; in particular, some nice, full-color aerial photographs would have improved the book immensely. Still, this is a very interesting and amusing read.

[Mark Singer · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The Lost Gods of Albion" is a comprehensive look at the chalk hill figures of Britain, the most famous of which are the Uffington Horse, the Long Man of Wilmington and the Cerne Giant. The author explains what is known about each of these images, and how some have been changed or even obliterated over the centuries. Some of these figures are over 2000 years old. I have always been fascinated by this topic.

[Derek Baldwin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining and well-researched study of English chalk hill figures, which by and large exposes the myth that these are ancient and sacred in any truly meaningful way. Except for the ones that are. (ie Uffington... probably)