Uffington White Horse
Uffington White Horse, Prehistoric chalk hill figure in Oxfordshire, England.
Description
Uffington White Horse is a prehistoric chalk hill figure near the village of Uffington in Oxfordshire, England, measuring roughly 100 meters long and 30 meters wide. The shape sits on a steep slope at 261 meters elevation and consists of shallow trenches filled with white chalk.
History
Researchers date the figure to the Bronze Age around 3000 years ago, making it the oldest hill figure in Britain. Communities over centuries maintained the shape by regularly clearing grass and soil to keep the chalk design visible.
Culture
Coins minted by local Iron Age tribes show a design similar to this hill figure, suggesting it marked boundaries or clan territory. Walkers today visit to see the white chalk outline standing out against green grassland, a landmark recognizable for miles around.
Practical
The hillside offers wide views across the countryside, but the figure itself is difficult to see from ground level. A nearby viewpoint on the opposite slope provides a better view of the full chalk design.
Did you know?
The design shows a long, stretched body with a stylized head that resembles abstract art more than a realistic horse. Some researchers suggest it may represent a mythical creature or a Celtic symbol rather than an ordinary animal.
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Uffington Castle
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Berkshire Downs
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Hardwell Castle
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Church of All Saints
1.2 kmNeolithic long barrow and Romano-British inhumation cemetery 70m north of Uffington Castle on Whitehorse Hill
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The White Horse Inn
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1.3 km
Dragon Hill
294 m
Hardwell Camp promontory fort
1.4 km
Uffington
848 mJohnings
1.5 km
Rams Hill
1.4 kmWoodruff Orchard
1.9 km
Knighton Farm, 2 Barns And Linking Range, Approximately 40 Metres North East
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Compton Beauchamp War Memorial
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102 m
Milestone, Icknield Way; W of Britchcombe Farm
788 m
Milestone, Icknield Way; W of White Horse car park road
1.1 kmMerestones
1.4 kmBreakspear Cottage
1.9 kmWaterfall Cottage
1.4 kmBritchcombe Farmhouse, Dovecote Approximately 20 Metres West
841 mWoolstone Lodge And Adjoining Cottage
1.4 kmBeechtree Cottage
1.3 kmCob Cottage
1.4 kmManor Farmhouse
1.2 kmThe Mole House
1.4 kmFarmhouse, Now Garages, Approximately 20 Metres East Of St Frideswide's Cottage
2 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
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