Wiltshire landmark assessed for damage after red fabric pinned across it to form England flag
A 53-metre white horse cut into a Wiltshire hillside about 350 years ago is to be assessed for damage by heritage experts after red fabric was pinned across it to form a St George’s cross.
English Heritage said the fabric has been removed from the Westbury white horse, which according to local records was originally cut in the late 1600s, possibly to commemorate the attle of Ethandun, thought to have taken place nearby in AD878.
A spokesperson for English Heritage said: “The red fabric which was attached to the Westbury white horse has been removed. We’re now assessing whether any damage – for instance, from pegs – has been caused to this much-loved historic landmark.”
In recent weeks, union jacks and St George’s cross flags have been flown from lamp-posts and motoway bridges. Red crosses have been spray-paintedon to mini-roundabouts and traffic signs after an online campaign.
