Osmington White Horse
The Osmington White Horse is a hill figure sculpted in 1808 into the limestone Osmington hill just north of Weymouth called the South Dorset Downs, within the parish of Osmington.[1]
The figure is of King George III, who regularly visited Weymouth, and made it 'the first resort', riding on his horse, and can be seen for miles around. It is 280 feet (85 m) long and 323 feet (98 m) high in size and is best viewed from the A353 road.
In 1989 the figure was restored for a broadcast of the TV show Challenge Anneka, although the work was subsequently criticised by historians for doing more harm than good. Anneka Rice, the presenter of the show, stated that planning permission and advice had been sought before the work.[2]
In August 2011 pranksters added a 'horn' made from plastic sheeting to make the horse resemble a unicorn.[3]
In 2012, it was announced that for the Olympics 2012, the horse would be cleaned up and slightly recut to make it look like it originally did upon its cutting in 1808. The restoration project occurred on 11 March 2012, where Princess Anne attended the service which also revealed a brand new plaque, made of local stone. The restoration was cut into shape by a group of volunteers, who have spent the last two years carrying out repairs.[4]
See also
 |
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Osmington White Horse. |
- Chalk figures in the United Kingdom
- Cherhill White Horse
- Westbury White Horse
References
- ↑ Osmington White Horse, UK.
- ↑ Stephen Adams (2 September 2009). "Anneka Rice's DIY 'ruined white horse'". The Telegraph. Retrieved 2 November 2013.
- ↑ Pranksters add horn to Osmington White Horse, Dorset Echo, 30 August 2011.
- ↑ ITV West Country, 12 March 2012 episode
Bibliography
- Plenderleath, Rev. W. C., The White Horses of the West of England (London: Allen & Storr, 1892).
External links
- Aerial photo of Osmington White Horse. Other map and aerial photo sources.
- The Osmington White Horse Restoration