Hill figure

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It has been suggested that this article or section be merged with Chalk figures in England. (Discuss)

A hill figure is a large visual representation created by cutting into a steep hillside and revealing the underlying geology. It is a type of geoglyph especially designed to be seen from afar rather than above. In some cases trenches are dug and rubble made from material brighter than the natural bedrock, is rammed into them. The new material is often chalk, a soft and white form of limestone, leading to the alternative name of chalk figure for this form of art.

The creation of hill figures has been practised since prehistory and can include human ("gigantotomy") and animal forms (cutting horses is known as "leucippotomy") as well as more abstract symbols and, in the modern era, advertising brands.

Hill figures are common in England: examples include the Cerne Abbas Giant, the Uffington White Horse, the Long Man of Wilmington, various badges of military units as well as the "lost" carvings at Cambridge, Oxford and Plymouth Hoe.

	The Long Man of Wilmington	The White Horse near Kilburn, North Yorkshire	Lenham Cross on the Downs
Wye Crown	Uffington White Horse	The Cerne Abbas giant	The Westbury White Horse
The Cherhill White Horse