Year / Period Created Giant – early 1500s definitely, probably 1400s. HobNob possibly earlier.
Is your Giant or Beast still active or has it retired?
Retired in 1977 due to preservation, but still on display in Salisbury Museum. A copy is still in use at comes out at major celebration days.. Last performance was in 1977 at Queen Elizabeth II’s Silver Jubilee.
Description:
Salisbury Giant: He now stands at 12 feet high, his wooden frame having been rebuilt c.1850. The head is painted wood, the body a hollow timber frame. He traditionally wears the finest cloth (not original). Over his shoulder he wears a leather baldric decorated with the Tailor’s coat of arms. His appearance has changed over the years.
HobNob: also wooden head, wooden frame and cloth cover. HobNob’s mouth moves – it opens and shuts and has been known to bite passers-by.
Is there is a folktale connected to your Giant or Beast?
The Salisbury Giant is a unique survival in this country – he is the last surviving medieval giant in the UK. It is probable that he existed by the 1500s. Sometimes called St Christopher he was owned by the medieval Tailor’s Guild and purchased by the Museum in 1873 for 30 shillings (£1.50).
His companion, the Hob-Nob, was the mischievous character who cavorted in front in the procession clearing the way for the Giant.
The Giant and HobNob were paraded around the city on festival days – including St Osmund’s Eve and Midsummer’s Eve. They took part in many Salisbury celebrations – coronations, jubilees, pageants and parades, including the 1919 Peace Pageant.
The Beadle and Whifflers accompany the Giant and carry a staff, sword and mace.
Some think the Giant is St Christopher the patron saint of travellers.
HobNob – it is not known what type of animal/creature HobNob is supposed to be – theories include a horse (possibly a New Forest pony?), a dragon or a camel.
What was the first event the Giant/Beast attended?
Not known. Records first mention the Giant in 1570 when it was stated as being in disrepair.
How is it stored? Displayed in Salisbury Gallery of Salisbury Museum
What can you tell us about how it is carried and by who? The Giant is traditionally carried by a big, strong man. Because he is quite heavy, a group of men would often take turns to carry him on his journey, e.g. Salisbury butcher Frank Kerley carried him between 1890-1911 at various celebrations/pageants. Hob Nob is also carried by one person. The Giant is heavy and could be quite unstable. On windy days ropes were used over the top of the Giant to stabilise him. In 1911 the Giant completely toppled over whilst processing along Fisherton Street, Salisbury, for the Coronation of King George V.
Maker / Creators
Not known but owned by the Tailor’s Guild until 1873, when purchased by Salisbury Museum for 30 shillings (£1.50).
If you notice an error in this information, want to ask for additional details to be added or request the removal of any image or information, please contact us quoting the reference number above via email in the footer.
The Salisbury Giant and HobNob
Location: Salisbury, Wiltshire
Year / Period Created Giant – early 1500s definitely, probably 1400s. HobNob possibly earlier.
Description:
Salisbury Giant: He now stands at 12 feet high, his wooden frame having been rebuilt c.1850. The head is painted wood, the body a hollow timber frame. He traditionally wears the finest cloth (not original). Over his shoulder he wears a leather baldric decorated with the Tailor’s coat of arms. His appearance has changed over the years.
HobNob: also wooden head, wooden frame and cloth cover. HobNob’s mouth moves – it opens and shuts and has been known to bite passers-by.
The Salisbury Giant is a unique survival in this country – he is the last surviving medieval giant in the UK. It is probable that he existed by the 1500s. Sometimes called St Christopher he was owned by the medieval Tailor’s Guild and purchased by the Museum in 1873 for 30 shillings (£1.50).
His companion, the Hob-Nob, was the mischievous character who cavorted in front in the procession clearing the way for the Giant.
The Giant and HobNob were paraded around the city on festival days – including St Osmund’s Eve and Midsummer’s Eve. They took part in many Salisbury celebrations – coronations, jubilees, pageants and parades, including the 1919 Peace Pageant.
The Beadle and Whifflers accompany the Giant and carry a staff, sword and mace.
Some think the Giant is St Christopher the patron saint of travellers.
HobNob – it is not known what type of animal/creature HobNob is supposed to be – theories include a horse (possibly a New Forest pony?), a dragon or a camel.
How is it stored?
Displayed in Salisbury Gallery of Salisbury Museum
What can you tell us about how it is carried and by who?
The Giant is traditionally carried by a big, strong man. Because he is quite heavy, a group of men would often take turns to carry him on his journey, e.g. Salisbury butcher Frank Kerley carried him between 1890-1911 at various celebrations/pageants. Hob Nob is also carried by one person. The Giant is heavy and could be quite unstable. On windy days ropes were used over the top of the Giant to stabilise him. In 1911 the Giant completely toppled over whilst processing along Fisherton Street, Salisbury, for the Coronation of King George V.
Website: www.salisburymuseum.org.uk
Ref: 37 BFG
If you notice an error in this information, want to ask for additional details to be added or request the removal of any image or information, please contact us quoting the reference number above via email in the footer.
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