Alton Barnes White Horse

General Information

National Grid Ref SU 107 637

This horse faces SSE on a steepish slope below and between Milk hill and Walkers hill at about 750’ above sea level. It is 160’ by 166’ in size and can be seen from many places in the flat plain to the south of the horse. Good views can be had from the Alton Priors road, and the Lockeridge road approaching the horse itself. A little further on there is a parking space where a footpath leads the way a mile or so to the horse, it is along this path where the it bears left to the horse that the best view can be had. The horse is in good condition with finely compacted chalk, although a few edges are slightly overgrown.

History.

This horse is based on the earlier Cherhill horse, constructed in 1812 by John Thorne who was paid Ł20 by Robert Pile, he then commissioned John Harvey to do the work and absconded with the money and the horse was later finished at further expense to Robert Pile. Thorpe was later hanged, but it was his design and position that was used for the horse. The horse has changed considerably over the years, the neck becoming thinner, the eye becoming enlargened and the addition of ears and lips and the improvement of the shape of the legs have all been carried out. The horse is disproportionately tall to prevent foreshortening. The upkeep is uncertain although subscription paid for some scourings in the middle of the 19th century and Scouts and Guides scoured the horse in the early part of this century.