Westbury White Horse: Historic Landmark at Centre of Flag Controversy
Recent Incident Raises Conservation Concerns
A St George’s Cross recently appeared on the historic Westbury White Horse in Wiltshire, created by red fabric being pinned across the ancient chalk figure. The material has since been removed. English Heritage is now conducting an assessment to determine whether any damage has been caused to this beloved landmark, particularly from the pegs used to secure the fabric.
Historical Significance
The Westbury White Horse, situated on the escarpment of Salisbury Plain about 1.5 miles east of Westbury, holds the distinction of being the oldest of Wiltshire’s eight white horses. The figure stands prominently at the northern edge of Bratton Downs, beneath an Iron Age hill fort. Measuring an impressive 180 feet in height and 170 feet in width, the horse has become a symbol of Westbury, featured on the town’s welcome signs.
Conservation History
The horse’s maintenance history is extensive, with the last recorded traditional scouring taking place in 1853. A significant change occurred in the 1950s when the figure was covered in white-painted concrete, though this later turned grey and required replacement in 1993. English Heritage has implemented modern conservation methods, including a specialist steam cleaning system first used in 2006, which creates a clean surface for applying environmentally friendly white paint.
Recent Maintenance
The landmark has undergone several cleaning and repainting rounds in 2011, 2016, and 2018. A significant clean and repair operation took place in 2023, which involved conservation teams abseiling down the near-vertical face of the horse. The Westbury White Horse, dating from 1778, is considered one of the finest white horse figures in the region, thanks to its prominent location on Westbury Hill, Bratton Down.
