Ep 2. Mystery of the White Horse

In this episode of Mystic Britain season 2, entitled 'Mystery of the White Horse', the team delves into the origins and significance of the Uffington White Horse, an ancient chalk figure etched into the hillside of Oxfordshire, England.

The program opens with the host, Clive Anderson, standing at the base of the majestic figure, which stretches 110 meters in length and has been thought to have been carved over 3,000 years ago. Anderson explains that the White Horse is one of Britain's most iconic landmarks, attracting visitors from all over the world, and as such, it has been subject to numerous myths and legends over the centuries.

The team then meets with local historian, David Miles, who shares some of the most popular tales associated with the White Horse. Miles explains that, for some, the horse is the embodiment of a great Celtic goddess, while others believe it to have been created by St. George to defeat a dragon. There are even theories that the horse was created as a tribute to King Alfred the Great or as a symbol of the White Horse of the Apocalypse.

Despite all these legends, the program sets out to discover the true origins of the White Horse, and the team begins by surveying the area using the latest geophysical technologies to uncover any hidden features beneath the chalk.

Dr. Josh Pollard, an archaeologist from the University of Southampton, leads the team in using ground-penetrating radar and magnetometry, and they discover that the horse was not carved into the hill, as previously thought, but constructed on top of a pre-existing hill fort. The team notes that the horse's head may have been placed in such a position as to serve as a marker for the sun during the summer solstice.

Moving on, the program then examines the horse's stylised design and discovers that it is not unique - there are several other white horse figures dotted around the English countryside. The team visits some of these other sites, including the Westbury White Horse, the Broad Town White Horse, and the Cleadon Hills White Horse, to uncover their own unique histories. They find that, like the Uffington White Horse, many of these other chalk figures are shrouded in mystery, with their origins open to much speculation.

The program then looks at some of the more recent history of the Uffington White Horse and notes that, over the centuries, the figure has been subject to numerous re-carvings and restorations, most recently in the 19th century. Some locals, however, are unhappy with these restorations, arguing that they have distorted the original design and compromised the cultural significance of the site.

Finally, the team meets with Tim Daw, a local artist who has been instrumental in the recent conservation of the Uffington White Horse. Daw explains that the figure is an important symbol for the community and that efforts are in place to ensure its preservation for generations to come. He also shares some of the more contemporary myths associated with the horse, including stories of a phantom rider that has been seen galloping around the site at night.

In conclusion, 'Mystery of the White Horse' is an episode of Mystic Britain season 2 that takes a fascinating and multi-faceted look at one of Britain's most iconic landmarks. From the myths and legends surrounding the figure to the latest archaeological discoveries, the program uncovers some of the many mysteries associated with the Uffington White Horse, while also highlighting the importance of preserving and protecting the site for future generations.