Cherhill White Horse: Wiltshire’s Historic Chalk Hill Figure

Origins and Historical Context of the Cherhill White Horse

The Cherhill White Horse was carved in 1780 under the direction of Dr Christopher Alsop, a local physician known as the “mad doctor” for his eccentricity. Inspired by the nearby Westbury White Horse, which had been recently remodeled, Alsop orchestrated the creation by shouting instructions through a megaphone from a distance to workers marking out the figure. The horse measures approximately 165 by 220 feet, making it a monumental chalk hill carving visible from miles around. It is the third oldest white horse geoglyph in Great Britain, following the Uffington and Westbury horses. The figure is sometimes called the Oldbury White Horse, referencing the adjacent Oldbury Castle earthwork, an Iron Age hillfort on Cherhill Down.

Artistic and Cultural Significance

The design of the Cherhill White Horse may have been influenced by the work of George Stubbs, the famous 18th-century painter renowned for his equine art. The horse is a striking example of the English tradition of chalk hill figures, which blend landscape art with cultural symbolism. Historically, such white horses have been linked to local pride, commemorations, or heraldic symbols. The Cherhill figure inspired the later Alton Barnes White Horse, continuing the legacy of these chalk carvings. In the 19th century, the horse famously had a gleaming glass eye made from upturned bottles, which reflected sunlight and was visible from afar; this was replaced by a stone eye after the bottles were removed by souvenir hunters.

Landscape and Surrounding Features

Situated on Cherhill Down, the horse overlooks the rolling Wiltshire countryside and sits just below the Lansdowne Monument, a 38-meter stone obelisk erected in 1845 to honor Sir William Petty. The monument’s stark, unadorned design complements the natural and historic landscape. The chalk grassland around the horse supports rare flora and fauna, making the site ecologically significant as well as culturally important. The area is popular for walking and birdwatching, with panoramic views that extend across the Vale of Pewsey and beyond.

Conservation and Visitor Experience

The Cherhill White Horse is owned by the National Trust and maintained by dedicated volunteers who regularly re-chalk and weed the figure to preserve its sharp outline. Restoration efforts have included resurfacing with fresh chalk and reinforcing the edges to combat erosion. Visitors are encouraged to view the horse from designated footpaths and viewing points to protect the site, as walking directly on the figure is prohibited. Dogs are welcome but must be kept on leads where livestock graze. The site is accessible via footpaths from the A4 road and the nearby town of Calne, and it forms part of the White Horse Trail, a long-distance walking route linking all eight remaining Wiltshire white horses.

Local Lore and Cultural Connections

The horse’s creator, Dr Alsop, is remembered for his unusual method of directing the carving, and local stories recount children sliding down the steep chalk slope on trays in the mid-20th century. The site has also featured in popular culture, including a 1988 music video. The chalk hillside occasionally hosts crop circles, adding a layer of modern folklore to the historic landscape. The Cherhill White Horse remains a potent symbol of Wiltshire’s heritage, blending art, history, and nature.

Practical Information for Visitors

The best views of the horse are from the A4 road, where a lay-by offers a good vantage point. For a fuller experience, visitors can hike up Cherhill Down for close-up views and to enjoy the surrounding countryside. The terrain can be steep and muddy, especially after rain, so sturdy footwear is recommended. The site is open year-round with no entrance fee, and the combination of natural beauty, historic significance, and cultural resonance makes it a rewarding destination for walkers, history enthusiasts, and photographers alike.