{"id":41277,"title":"The Wiltshire White Horses","description":"If you're ever visiting Wiltshire, look to the hills, and keep your eyes peeled for glimpses of the county's eight iconic white horses. These colossal artworks, created by stripping away the grass to reveal the white chalk beneath, have been a part of the landscape for centuries.","content":"

If you're ever visiting Wiltshire - look to the hills! Keep your eyes peeled for the county's eight iconic white horses<\/strong>.<\/p>

\"GuideThese colossal artworks, created by stripping away the grass to reveal the white chalk beneath, have been a part of the landscape for centuries. Some of these figures date back hundreds of years (with their origins possibly even further back in time), while others, such as the Devizes White Horse, are more recent additions.<\/p>

Read on to find out a little more information about each of the chalk horses of Wiltshire:<\/p>

Westbury White Horse<\/h3>

The Westbury White Horse<\/u><\/a>, also known as the Bratton White Horse<\/strong>, is the oldest of Wiltshire's chalk hill horses. It is situated on the slopes of Salisbury Plain near the town of Westbury. The current figure, measuring 180 feet (55 meters) tall and 170 feet (52 meters) wide, dates back to 1778, though it likely replaced an older figure from the late 17th century. This horse is often attributed to the restoration work done by the aptly named George Gee ('G. Gee,' geddit?), who altered the earlier design. The Westbury White Horse is highly visible from a distance and is a prominent landmark in the region.<\/p>

\"AThe 'ancient' Westbury horse<\/u><\/a> that was replaced by the current figure appeared in an illustration by Richard Gough in the 1772 edition of Camden's Britannia. Plenderleath also has a version, based on Gough's original, in his 'White Horses of the West of England.'<\/em> However, it has since been suggested that the printing of that illustration was reversed in error, so you will most often see this horse incorrectly facing right. Eldon Threads<\/strong> are pleased to have restored the horse to its original left-facing glory! The older horse does have a rather 'Anglo-Saxon' quality to it, lending weight to the idea that the Westbury White Horse commemorates King Alfred the Great's victory at the Battle of Ethandun in 878.<\/p>

Cherhill White Horse<\/h3>

The Cherhill White Horse<\/u><\/a> is located below the earthwork of Oldbury Castle near the village of Cherhill. It was first carved in 1780 by Dr. Christopher Alsop of Calne, who directed its creation from below Labour-in-Vain Hill using a megaphone. Originally, the horse measured 165 feet by 220 feet. Dr. Alsop, known as \"the mad doctor,\" may have been inspired by his friend George Stubbs, the renowned artist famous for his horse paintings.<\/p>

\"Cherhill<\/u><\/a>The figure has been maintained over the years, including a major restoration in 2002 by the Cherhill White Horse Restoration Group, which involved re-cutting the outline and adding new chalk. In the 19th century, the horse had a glass eye made from bottles, but these have since been replaced with stone and concrete.<\/p>

Alton Barnes White Horse<\/h3>

The Alton Barnes White Horse<\/u><\/a>, located on Milk Hill near Alton, Wiltshire, is a chalk hill figure carved in 1812. It stands about 180 feet high and 160 feet long and was commissioned by local farmer Robert Pile. Pile hired sign painter John Thorne, who deceived him by taking the advance payment and leaving the actual work to local resident John Harvey.<\/p>

The design was based on the Cherhill White Horse, making it the second largest of Wiltshire's chalk figures. The Alton Barnes White Horse has been well maintained over the years, with regular scouring and restoration, and has even been illuminated by candles during winter solstices. Notably, the horse was transformed into a zebra as an April Fools' prank on two occasions.<\/p>

Hackpen White Horse<\/h3>

The Hackpen White Horse<\/u><\/a> is a chalk hill figure located on Hackpen Hill, just south of Broad Hinton, Wiltshire (it\u2019s also known as the Broad Hinton White Horse<\/strong>). It measures 90 feet wide and 90 feet high, making it a prominent feature among Wiltshire's nine white horses. The horse is also known as the Broad Hinton White Horse due to its proximity to the village.<\/p>

\"tolstrpq5xvrvma99gqg98buc6v47pj3nfasoufadqcgwpgt.jpg.jpg?w=1140&v=2\"<\/u><\/a>It is believed to have been cut in 1838 by Henry Eatwell, a local parish clerk, to celebrate the coronation of Queen Victoria. The horse is regularly maintained and scoured to keep its appearance fresh.<\/p>

Marlborough White Horse<\/h3>

The Marlborough White Horse<\/u><\/a>, also known as the Preshute White Horse<\/strong>, is located on Granham Hill near the hamlet of Preshute, southwest of Marlborough, Wiltshire. Created in 1804 by students of Mr. Greasley's Academy, it is the smallest of Wiltshire's chalk hill figures. The horse is 62 feet long by 47 feet high, and while it can be difficult to spot due to surrounding trees, good views are available from parts of Marlborough and a nearby footpath. The horse has been maintained through various restorations, including a significant re-chalking in 2001. It holds a special place in local culture, even being mentioned in the Marlborough College school song.<\/p>

Broad Town White Horse<\/h3>

The Broad Town White Horse<\/u><\/a> is a chalk hill figure located on a steep slope above Little Town Farmhouse, near the village of Broad Town, Wiltshire. Carved in 1864 by William Simmonds, the horse was intended to be gradually enlarged over time, but this was never completed. The figure is visible from 20 miles away, although its rural location, away from the main roads, has earned it the reputation of a 'secret horse.' Although maintenance has been challenging, the Broad Town White Horse Restoration Society has been regularly scouring and preserving it since 1991.<\/p>

Pewsey White Horse<\/h3>

The Pewsey White Horse<\/u><\/a>, located near the village of Pewsey, Wiltshire, is a chalk hill figure created in 1937. It was designed to replace an earlier horse that had disappeared under the grass and is the smallest of the eight canonical white horses in Wiltshire, measuring 66 feet by 45 feet. This horse was the seventh or eighth to be cut in Wiltshire and was the first of the 20th century. Designed by George Marples to commemorate the coronation of George VI, it was inspired by other Wiltshire white horses. Today, it is maintained by the Pewsey 6X Club, also known as the Pewsey Horse Restoration Group. The horse is a prominent local landmark and features on Pewsey's town flag, where it is celebrated as an iconic and proud symbol of the community.<\/p>

Devizes White Horse<\/h3>

The Devizes White Horse<\/u><\/a>, also known as the Devizes Millennium White Horse<\/strong>, and the Roundway White Horse<\/strong>, is a chalk hill figure located on Bank Field at Roundway Hill, near the town of Devizes in Wiltshire. Created in 1999 to mark the arrival of the third millennium, it replaced an earlier nearby chalk figure known as the Snobs Horse (the word \"snobs\" derived from the local term for shoemaker). Measuring 150 feet long and 148 feet high, it is the eighth major white horse figure in Wiltshire.<\/p>

\"v61l8u3xsu9x5x7313vpdhescnl2vabnqjfxmjte6flylhvr.jpg.jpg?w=1140&v=2\"<\/u><\/a>The Devizes White Horse is visible from several miles away, including from Bratton Castle on Bratton Downs and the Vale of Pewsey. It can be seen facing the Pewsey White Horse and the Alton Barnes White Horse.<\/p>

Browse the Eldon Threads <\/strong>Chalk Hill Figure Collection for MEN<\/u><\/strong><\/a><\/p>

Browse the Eldon Threads <\/strong>Chalk Hill Figure Collection for WOMEN<\/u><\/strong><\/a><\/p>

\"WiltshireThe English county of Wiltshire is renowned for its wealth of historic (and prehistoric) landmarks. From the beautiful city of Salisbury, with its stunning cathedral, to the world-famous Stonehenge<\/u><\/a>, Wiltshire offers a unique glimpse into England's past while maintaining a charming countryside appeal. Wiltshire boasts treasures like the vast stone circle at Avebury<\/u><\/a>, the mysterious Silbury Hill, the ancient settlement of Old Sarum, and the West Kennet Long Barrow. These remarkable locations make Wiltshire a premier destination for anyone looking to explore the rich tapestry of England's ancient history.<\/p>

Although there are more horses and chalk figures that are now lost to time, gradually overgrown and forgotten about, it\u2019s a blessing that so many of these magnificent works of art survive.<\/p>

It is a testament to the many organisations and local volunteers who maintain and protect these wonderful figures that we can all enjoy - centuries after they were first dug into the hillsides of old England.<\/p>","urlTitle":"the-wiltshire-white-horses","url":"\/blog\/the-wiltshire-white-horses\/","editListUrl":"\/my-blogs","editUrl":"\/my-blogs\/edit\/the-wiltshire-white-horses\/","fullUrl":"https:\/\/eldonthreads.com\/blog\/the-wiltshire-white-horses\/","featured":false,"published":true,"showOnSitemap":true,"hidden":false,"visibility":null,"createdAt":1721837903,"updatedAt":1774447049,"publishedAt":1774447048,"lastReadAt":null,"division":{"id":353639,"name":"Eldon Threads"},"tags":[],"metaImage":{"original":"https:\/\/images.podos.io\/msddekwyqcaitsjvskupinl7gt2kowphlbn66oqlnanl6lxu.jpeg?z=1.2&fx=0.46395693214563&fy=0.44457567580179","thumbnail":"https:\/\/images.podos.io\/msddekwyqcaitsjvskupinl7gt2kowphlbn66oqlnanl6lxu.jpeg.jpg?w=1140&h=855&z=1.2&fx=0.46395693214563&fy=0.44457567580179","banner":"https:\/\/images.podos.io\/msddekwyqcaitsjvskupinl7gt2kowphlbn66oqlnanl6lxu.jpeg.jpg?w=1920&h=1440&z=1.2&fx=0.46395693214563&fy=0.44457567580179"},"metaTitle":"The Wiltshire White Horses | Chalk Hill Figures","metaDescription":"Look to the hills for glimpses of the Wiltshire White Horses! Map and guide to the iconic chalk hill figures.","keyPhraseCampaignId":null,"series":[],"similarReads":[{"id":49826,"title":"Why We All Need a Little Moly in Our Lives","url":"\/blog\/why-we-all-need-a-little-moly-in-our-lives\/","urlTitle":"why-we-all-need-a-little-moly-in-our-lives","division":353639,"description":"Moly is one of the earliest recorded plants said to possess magical properties. In Homer\u2019s Odyssey, it is used as protection against Circe\u2019s enchantments.","published":true,"metaImage":{"thumbnail":"https:\/\/images.podos.io\/rlrqsv2brpeurlssxgih4kcl2sknksiorgt5ba2q4smd5kmb.png.jpg?w=1140&h=855&z=2&fx=0.42863349126654&fy=0.43475844115614","banner":"https:\/\/images.podos.io\/rlrqsv2brpeurlssxgih4kcl2sknksiorgt5ba2q4smd5kmb.png.jpg?w=1920&h=1440&z=2&fx=0.42863349126654&fy=0.43475844115614"},"hidden":0},{"id":49956,"title":"Vintage Fruits and Forgotten Flavours","url":"\/blog\/vintage-fruits-and-forgotten-flavours\/","urlTitle":"vintage-fruits-and-forgotten-flavours","division":353639,"description":"Vintage Fruits - the cherry, quince, damson plum, elderberry, medlar, and even the tomato - were once rich in meaning, flavour, and folklore. At Eldon Threads, we\u2019ve reimagined these fruits not for the table, but for your wardrobe - reviving woodcut illustrations of selected vintage fruits from John Gerard\u2019s The Herball, or Generall Historie of Plantes (1597) and printing them on organic cotton T-shirts with the same care and curiosity that once filled monastic orchards and cottage gardens.","published":true,"metaImage":{"thumbnail":"https:\/\/images.podos.io\/5yalaoupsol105h1bfkdfr0bfmbgdzmxj9oo9dzaxqvfi3sh.png.jpg?w=1140&h=855","banner":"https:\/\/images.podos.io\/5yalaoupsol105h1bfkdfr0bfmbgdzmxj9oo9dzaxqvfi3sh.png.jpg?w=1920&h=1440"},"hidden":0},{"id":41078,"title":"Designing the Eldon Threads Logo","url":"\/blog\/designing-the-eldon-threads-logo\/","urlTitle":"designing-the-eldon-threads-logo","division":353639,"description":"We aimed for the Eldon Threads logo to have a slightly distressed quality to reflect the historical and legendary aspects of the designs.","published":true,"metaImage":{"thumbnail":"https:\/\/images.podos.io\/8xvqb8reqc7lpenljujmmqpvwzctcryaouwwk4qvylj6sjme.jpeg.jpg?w=1140&h=855","banner":"https:\/\/images.podos.io\/8xvqb8reqc7lpenljujmmqpvwzctcryaouwwk4qvylj6sjme.jpeg.jpg?w=1920&h=1440"},"hidden":0}],"labels":[]}