The Uffington White Horse, an iconic prehistoric chalk figure believed to be Britain’s oldest, has undergone significant restoration after archaeologists discovered it had been shrinking. This 3,000-year-old figure, etched into a hillside in Oxfordshire, England is a testament to the enduring legacy of human craftsmanship and cultural heritage, and has returned to its former glory.
The prehistoric White Horse of Uffington is believed to have inspired the creation of all the other white horse hill figures in the region, but mystery abounds regarding its creation – who made it, when, and why?
Discovery of the Shrinking Horse
Last year, work on the Uffington White Horse revealed that the neck and head of the 3,000-year-old figure had significantly narrowed, reports the BBC. What was once a bold and broad design had diminished to less than half of its original size. This alarming discovery prompted urgent restoration efforts to preserve this monumental landmark for future generations.
Archaeologists from the National Trust and Oxford Archaeology embarked on a meticulous restoration process. They carefully cut back any encroaching turf to reveal the figure’s ancient edges, restoring the horse to its estimated original form. The restoration also involved redistributing some of the top layer of chalk on the figure to ensure its visibility and integrity.
Undated National Trust handout photo of the head and neck of the White Horse at Uffington, Oxfordshire, showing a before (left) and after restoration view. (BBC/PA Media)
Significance of the Uffington White Horse
Adrian Cox, an archaeologist with the National Trust, emphasized the cultural and historical significance of the Uffington White Horse:
“The figure is hugely important but also intriguing as we don’t know for certain its original purpose.”
Despite the mystery surrounding its exact origins and function, the horse remains a cherished symbol in the local landscape. Generations of local residents have diligently cared for the horse, ensuring its survival over millennia.
Mark Dodd, project manager from Oxford Archaeology, described the restoration as a “huge privilege” and expressed his honor in working on such an iconic landmark. The preservation of this ancient figure not only safeguards a piece of Britain’s history but also maintains a visual and cultural touchstone for the community.
Efforts to Date the Uffington White Horse
During the restoration process, soil samples from the lowest layers of the figure were collected to refine the dating of its creation. Previous samples taken in the 1990s indicated that the horse is Britain’s oldest chalk figure. However, advancements in dating techniques have prompted archaeologists to revisit these samples with the hope of obtaining a more precise date.
The archaeology team eagerly anticipates the results of the new research. Mark Dodd commented:
“Now the hard work is done, and we can see elements of the monument restored to its former glory, we will be eagerly awaiting the results of research to see what new information this will bring to light.”
The Legacy of the Uffington White Horse
The Uffington White Horse stands 364 feet long (111 meters) and continues to capture the imagination of historians, archaeologists, and the general public. Its exact purpose and origin remain unknown, contributing to its allure and significance. Some theories suggest it may have been a tribal symbol, a religious icon, or even a territorial marker.
Some historians believe the figure represents a horse goddess connected with the local Belgae tribe; others believe it is the Celtic goddess Epona, protector of horses. An alternative hypothesis suggests it is not a horse at all but the mythical dragon slain by Saint George.
Sattelite view of the Uffington White Horse pre-restoration. (Public Domain)
White Horse Country
Due to its age, the prehistoric White Horse of Uffington is believed to have inspired the creation of all the other white horse hill figures in the region.
Oxfordshire, the region in which the figure is found, and its neighboring county of Wiltshire, are home to many white horse hill figures. There were at least twenty-four of these hill figures in Britain, with no less than thirteen in Wiltshire.
However, the White Horse of Uffington is the only one with known prehistoric origin. Initially believed to date back to the Iron Age due to similar images found depicted on coins from that period, more recent dating by the Oxford Archaeological Unit placed the hill figure in the Bronze Age, some 3,000 years ago.
The Uffington White Horse is high on an escarpment of the Berkshire Downs below Whitehorse Hill, a mile and a half (2.4 km) south of the village of Uffington. Measuring some 364 feet (111 meters) in length, the stylized image was created by digging trenches into the earth some ten feet (3 meters) wide, exposing the white chalk bedrock below.
To give an idea of the large scale of the Uffington horse, this is a part of its head. (Philip Halling/CC BY 2.0)
The shape of the horse has changed over the centuries. The present outline may be only a part of the original: aerial photography shows that a larger, more conventional shape of a horse lies beneath. The loss of shape has been caused by slippage of the topsoil and by repeated recutting.
The horse is only part of the unique complex of ancient remains found at White Horse Hill and beyond, spreading out across the high chalk downland. To the east of the Manger lies Dragon Hill, a low flat-topped mound. It is said to be the site where St. George, England’s patron saint, slew the dragon, its blood spilling on the hilltop and leaving forever a bare white patch where no grass can grow. Across the region, numerous burial mounds can be spotted. These date from the Neolithic period and have been reused up to the Saxon age. The largest contained 47 skeletons.
Regardless of its original purpose, the Uffington White Horse is a striking example of prehistoric art and engineering. Its preservation and restoration demonstrate the importance of maintaining cultural heritage sites and the enduring connection between past and present communities.
Top image: National Trust Uffington White Horse after a phase of refurbishment where erosion and bad weather have caused shrinkage of the Bronze Age chalk carving over the decades. The artwork measures 111-metres long from head to tail and depicts a white horse near the Oxfordshire village of Uffington. Source: BBC/ PA Media
By Gary Manners
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