EDO6121 - Osmington White Horse; desk-based assessment 2010 to 2011

Field survey, aerial mapping and historical research to determine an accurate outline for the restoration of the chalk-cut hill-figure. In 2011 a collaborative research project between English Heritage and Ordnance Survey was undertaken to help inform the restoration of the George III chalk-cut hill-figure, more generally known as the Osmington White Horse, overlooking Weymouth Bay in Dorset. Although a relatively recent creation (first cut in 1808) little was known about the origins of this prominent Scheduled Monument, or about the changes made to it over time. In recent decades, however, these changes included extensive erosion and disfigurement which had obscured its original shape and led to its inclusion on the Heritage at Risk register. The objective of the project was therefore to establish the history of the figure and the most appropriate outline for reinstatement: this at the particular request of the Osmington Society, who were actively promoting restoration of this local landmark in partnership with English Heritage, Natural England, Dorset County Council and the local landowners. Part of their concern was that the figure should be restored to a proper condition before it appeared in the background of the 2012 Olympic sailing events in the bay below. A combination of research methods – aerial photography, detailed ground survey and the study of historic maps, photographs and postcard images etc led to the definition of a credible outline for the restoration, which was carried out by local volunteers in June-July 2011. Following restoration the monument was officially unveiled by HRH The Princess Royal in March 2012.