The White Horses of England

Nik Roberts took me up to see the famous Westbury White Horse yesterday. I was really an amazing sight to be seen. Supposedly it is good luck to sit on the eye and make a wish. Westbury White Horse - The history of the white horses is an issue of some debate, in particular with regard to Westbury which is the oldest of Wiltshire's horses. The site is known to have been restored in 1778 but the date of the original work remains largely a matter of conjecture. Many believe the initial carving was made to commemorate Alfred's victory over the Danes at the battle of Ethandune in 878. However, historians can not even agree whether this battle took place in the immediate vicinity; although some associate Ethandune with the nearby village of Edington.

As from the Dorset shore I travell'd home,I saw the charger of the Wiltshire wold;A far-seen figure, stately to behold, Whose groom the shepherd is, the hoe his comb.

CHARLES TENNYSON TURNER (1808-1879)