English Heritage has removed red fabric that was pinned across the Westbury White Horse in Wiltshire to form a St George's cross, and is now assessing whether the historic landmark has been damaged. The 53-metre horse, cut into a hillside around 350 years ago, is a scheduled monument protected by law.
The fabric was attached to the horse, which local records say was originally cut in the late 1600s, possibly to commemorate the Battle of Ethandun in AD878. English Heritage confirmed the removal and stated they are checking for damage, such as from pegs used to hold the fabric.
Wiltshire Police said no criminal offences are believed to have been committed and no investigation will take place, despite the monument's protected status. The force acknowledged awareness of the red material but deemed no crime occurred.
The incident is part of a wider trend of union jacks and St George's crosses appearing on lamp-posts, motorway bridges, and even spray-painted on roundabouts. While some see this as patriotism, anti-extremist groups Hope Not Hate and Stand Up to Racism claim the campaign is organised by far-right figures.
The Westbury White Horse, also known as the Bratton White Horse, sits on Bratton Camp, an Iron Age fort over 2,000 years old. It has undergone several cleanings and repaintings, most recently in 2023, when conservation teams abseiled down its near-vertical face.
