I was interested to read from Councillor Paul Sample that plans are afoot to bring Christopher the Giant to the regular civic life of our City.

Paul said: “Lots of grannies and granddads in Salisbury will remember Christopher the Giant from his infrequent appearances to celebrate important national and civic events over the last Century. I am really pleased that so many of the best people have come forward in the last year or so to offer their help and support to get him back into action.”

The original giant is housed in Salisbury Museum and although the giant referred to by Cllr Sample is a reproduction, it will be fantastic to see Christopher gracing the streets of Salisbury again.

It seems remarkable that in 1948, the then director of the museum in St Ann Street, Mr Frank Stevens, had to carry out essential repairs to the Salisbury Giant in the museum workshop.

It had been found that the giant’s wooden head had been seriously attacked by woodworm but the spirited Mr Stevens managed to put things right. He also found that the giant’s mouth opened and closed and that his head turned from side to side.

In 1873 the giant had been purchased by Mr Stevens father for 30s – a bargain as the Salisbury Giant dates back to 1496! It was the custom for him to join in a procession at Midsummer - he also appeared twice a year for “the setting of the watch” in the days when the city gates were closed at night.

When in 1496 it was known that King Henry VII was coming to Salisbury from London to stay at the Royal Palace at Clarendon, the Salisbury Merchant Taylors’ Guild, then the biggest in the city, decided that his Majesty should be welcomed by the patron saint of travellers, St Christopher…