Our work at White Horse Hill

Archaeologists at work widening the Uffington White Horse figure — We've been working to widen Uffington White Horse | © National Trust Images/James Dobson

We've been working with Oxford Archaeology to restore areas of Britain’s oldest chalk figure. The head and neck had seen gradual narrowing as grass and topsoil encroached on their outlines.

Because of this vital work, we won't be holding our usual 're-chalking' event this year. We'd planned to host a 'scouring' event to give people an opportunity to lend a hand, but additional work is no longer required. All are still welcome to walk on White Horse Hill and see the results of our recent work for themselves.

Why was restoration required?

The Uffington White Horse is the oldest scientifically dated example of its kind in Britain, dating back to the late Bronze Age. It's been cared for by local people for thousands of years, allowing it to survive and become an iconic feature.

Archaeological work last year proved that parts of the 111-metre-long horse had narrowed over time. This was most apparent at the head and neck, which had narrowed to less than half of their typical width. Archaeologists carefully cut encroaching turf back to the estimated original edge and re-distributed some of the top layer of chalk on the figure.

The chalk horse figure at Uffington, Oxfordshire after restoration work — Uffington White Horse after restoration | © National Trust Images/James Dobson

During the work to restore the White Horse’s profile, soil samples from the lowest layers of the figure were taken to see if they can accurately date its creation. Similar samples were taken in the 1990s, but now there's an opportunity to refine the date with modern techniques. Results of the testing are expected later this year.

Thank you

With your ongoing support, we're able to continue our vital conservation work. Thank you for helping to protect these special places.

A view from the head of Uffington White Horse, White Horse Hill, Oxfordshire. The undulating hillside stretches down towards green pasture and golden crop fields in the distance.

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