Acomb Little Man

3D Model

The carved sandstone block about 86cm high bearing the figure of ‘Acomb Man’ was installed in 2011 where the bridle path joins The Green in the village of Acomb, Northumberland, UK. It was found in 1970 at Water’s Meet (Howford), where the Rivers North & South Tyne join west of Hexham and remained at Acomb House for 30 years until the house was sold. Stan Beckensall compiled a report on the carving and sent it to English Heritage. He said experts at the Museum of Antiquities and the Vindolanda and Arbeia Forts on Hadrian’s Wall had confirmed the carving was probably made during the Roman occupation in the 2nd or 3rd century. “Paul Bidwell, an expert at Arbeia Fort in Wallsend, says it’s in a native style and therefore very unusual and very rare – perhaps unique,” said Stan. “The carving is obviously meant to be Hercules; he’s holding a club across his chest in one hand and a round object in the other that might be a purse or a dish.” http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/5735075