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The Westbury White Horse, a distinctive feature carved into a hillside, recently underwent an unusual transformation when it was temporarily adorned with a St George’s flag made of red fabric. The fabric, which had been draped over the 175ft (53m) tall landmark in Wiltshire, has since been removed after concerns were raised to English Heritage. The body is now assessing whether the usage of pegs to secure the fabric caused any damage to the horse.
This incident is not the first time the Westbury White Horse has been decorated without permission. In 2018, red plastic was placed on the monument ahead of an England men’s football World Cup semi-final match. Recently, thousands of St George’s flags have been popping up across England, with motivations ranging from pride and patriotism to potential provocations amid heightened tensions over immigration.
An English Heritage spokesperson confirmed the removal of the fabric from the hillside landmark and stated that an evaluation of any potential damage caused by the pegs is ongoing. While Westbury Town Council acknowledged the incident, no criminal offenses were suspected by Wiltshire Police, who decided not to pursue an investigation. The Westbury White Horse, believed to be the oldest in Wiltshire, has a rich history dating back to the late 1600s and has undergone numerous restoration and maintenance efforts over the centuries.
From the Battle of Ethandun in the late 1600s to extensive cleaning and repair work in 2023, the Westbury White Horse has stood the test of time as a symbolic and historic site in Wiltshire. Despite occasional unauthorized decorations like the recent St George’s flag, the landmark continues to be a source of pride and curiosity for locals and visitors alike. The ongoing evaluation of potential damage caused by the recent fabric adornment underscores the importance of preserving and respecting this iconic piece of heritage
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