Uffington Scouring the White Horse and White Horse Show

Uffington White Horse is an ancient and enigmatic chalk hill figure on the downland of Berkshire. Now in the guardianship of the National Trust, it has dominated the landscape for centuries. In earlier times it used to be “Scoured” every seven years amidst great festivities – hill figures need regular maintenance if they’re to stay white and pristine into the future. While the old custom has disappeared over time, a new one has arisen in its place and each year in July and  on August Bank Holiday weekend volunteers make a contribution to posterity by helping to keep the horse clean and in good order. This involves beating new fresh chalk into the surface and I have it on good authority that this is hard work but worthwhile!

Meanwhile, the fair that used to take place has also evolved. The current White Horse Show has developed from fundraising for the Village Hall and it  is a totally separate event but happens to take place at the same time and very nearby to the figure. It’s a traditional country show aimed at all ages and there are many entertainments, crafts and competitons over both days including morris dancing, Punch and Judy and sheep dog trials.

Helpful Hints

Volunteers for the Scouring should book in advance via the National Trust website but in practice all are welcome even if they turn up unannounced on the day. Scourers work in half-hour slots. This event is subject to weather conditions – in previous years there were 2 weekends for chalking the horse, in May and August, but from 2016 it moved to July/August for more clement weather so double check with the NT if you’re planning to go.

In 2025 August Bank Holiday Sunday & Monday fall on 24th & 25th August. In 2024 there was no scouring as professional work had been ongoing on the hill figure but it’s expected to resume in 2025- check with National Trust).

Click here for the National Trust website:  http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/white-horse-hill/

Click here for the Show website: http://www.whitehorseshow.co.uk/

Click here for more on the history of the event: http://traditionalcustomsandceremonies.wordpress.com/?s=scouring

Thanks to Paula Gerrard for drawing my attention to these events and for providing the photos!