In the Vale of the White Horse

The Vale of of the White Horse is located to the south-west of  the dreaming spires of Oxford. It is named after its most prominent feature: the prehistoric monument of the stylised 110 m long figure of a horse cut into the chalk hillside, dating as far back as 1400 BC. This is the White Horse of Uffington. We don’t know who created it, or for what purpose, and, interestingly, it is best seen from the air. For centuries, people in the surrounding area scoured the turf on its surface, that would have otherwise kept it hidden from our eyes. I think it’s remarkable that something like this has been going on for so long. In the past, fairs  and festivals have been held to accompany these events, in what was a joyous occasion for the Vale’s inhabitants and their guests.

We approached the Horse one late Sunday afternoon, passing through the green and golden fields that surround it. It was an afternoon bathed in warm and gentle sunlight, and we were lucky to have the most amazing views over the Vale. I felt incredibly happy, and at peace with the world.

 

View of the Vale from the White Horse Hill

 

Flanks of the Hill

The Dragon Hill

 

The Horse is best seen from the sky

 

Taking a closer look 

 

The photos below are for my dear friend Samantha, who recently celebrated her birthday, and who adores these wooly creatures!

   

 

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Posted by Maninas on 18 May, 2008

https://maninas.wordpress.com/2008/05/18/in-the-vale-of-the-white-horse/