A St George’s cross was attached to the Westbury White Horse using red fabric on Tuesday 9th September, sparking a debate among local residents.
The sudden appearance of the red cross, attached to the historic landmark using pegs, has divided opinion, with some residents voicing strong concerns online about vandalism to the historic landmark, while others see it as a display of patriotism.
One resident said, “Ironic how showing patriotism by vandalising a national icon that is hundreds of years old surely undermines the very pride it’s supposed to express. It’s pure disrespectful. Patriotism should add to our heritage, not deface it.”
Others welcomed the display, describing it as “brilliant” and patriotic.
Another said, “If it’s not painted and is easily removed, it’s fine. The White Horse has had many things on it over the years, and as long as it’s not damaged, there’s never been a problem.”
The incident reflects a wider trend across the country, where buildings, roundabouts and highways have been marked with the St George’s cross and flags installed along roads. These displays have sparked a national debate, with some seeing them as a show of patriotism and others linking them to far-right demonstrations.
A spokesperson from English Heritage, which maintains the landmark, said, “Red fabric has been attached to the Westbury White Horse. We’ll be removing it as soon as we can and checking whether the pegs that were used have caused any damage to this much-loved historic landmark.”
