In Oxfordshire, England, an iconic prehistoric chalk figure known as the Uffington White Horse has been meticulously restored after showing signs of significant wear. The figure, which is believed to be the oldest of its kind in Britain, dates back approximately 3,000 years. Its restoration was undertaken by archaeologists from the National Trust and Oxford Archaeology.

The Uffington White Horse in Oxfordshire, England. The figure is thought to be around 3,000 years old. Credit: Dave Price, Flickr

The Uffington White Horse, carved into the chalk of White Horse Hill, measures over 360 feet in length and is a significant Bronze Age figure. Recent examinations revealed that the horse’s head and neck had narrowed to less than half their original size, prompting immediate conservation efforts. The team of archaeologists carefully cut back the encroaching turf and redistributed the top layer of chalk to restore the horse to its former glory.

Adrian Cox, a National Trust archaeologist said: “The figure is hugely important but also intriguing as we don’t know for certain its original purpose. What we do know is that through the efforts of generations of local people, the horse has been cared for, allowing it to survive for thousands of years to become an iconic feature of this landscape.”

Mark Dodd, project manager from Oxford Archaeology, echoed this sentiment, calling it a “huge privilege” to work on such a landmark. He added, “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.”

During the restoration, soil samples from the lowest layers of the figure were collected to help refine the date of its creation using advanced techniques. Previous samples taken in the 1990s had identified the Uffington White Horse as Britain’s oldest chalk figure, but advancements in dating methods could provide more accurate results.

Experts Simon Palmer and David Miles, who have supported the latest restoration efforts, highlighted the use of modern technologies in their work. “The restoration of the work was greatly aided by modern technologies—the use of drones and pH๏τogrammetry has allowed us to map the Horse precisely and compare it to previous historical surveys,” Palmer and Miles explained. “We are now able to provide a template for the future management—the Horse is a living monument in that it requires constant attention to keep it in existence.”

The Uffington White Horse’s origins and purpose remain subjects of speculation. Some suggest it may have served as a territorial marker or a fertility symbol, while others propose it could represent a dragon, potentially linking it to the legend of Dragon Hill, where Saint George is said to have slain a dragon. Despite its unclear origins, the figure has been an enduring part of the local landscape, maintained by community efforts over the centuries.

Local traditions have played a crucial role in the horse’s preservation. “Scouring” festivals, where communities come together to clear turf and re-chalk the figure, have been held since 1755. The National Trust revived this tradition in 2009.

The results of the recent soil sample analyses are expected later this year and may provide new insights into the figure’s history. The use of Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL) dating, which analyzes crystalline materials such as quartz, holds the promise of more precise dating. This ongoing research will likely shed further light on the enigmatic origins and significance of the Uffington White Horse.