A quiet Wiltshire hillside became the center of attention this week when the iconic Westbury White Horse was temporarily transformed into a symbol of English pride.
What started as a colorful stunt has now triggered a police investigation, highlighting the sometimes tricky balance between public displays of patriotism and preserving historical landmarks.
The Red Ribbon Transformation
On September 9, the 350-year-old Westbury White Horse, carved into the chalky escarpment of Salisbury Plain, was draped in red fabric to mimic the St George’s Cross.
The 173-foot figure, a beloved landmark for centuries, was temporarily decorated with ribbons attached by pegs.
English Heritage, which manages the site, quickly removed the ribbons and inspected the hill figure.
Their assessment concluded that the pegs caused only “minimal damage.”
Wiltshire Police confirmed they had received a report of minor damage and said their investigation is still in the early stages.
A Landmark Steeped in History
The Westbury White Horse has a long and storied history.
It was first cut into the hillside in the late 17th century and was reshaped into the design we recognize today in 1778.
For locals like Velisa Russell, who passes the landmark regularly, the stunt was more playful than destructive.
“Luckily there’s no damage as red material was used,” she said. “It’s more an act of patriotism, not vandalism. Just a bit of fun.”
A Broader Trend of Flag Displays
The stunt seems to follow a wider trend of public flag displays, led by an online initiative called “Operation Raise the Colours.”
The movement began as a response to councils removing England flags and has encouraged supporters to display St George’s and Union flags in towns across the country.
Operation Raise the Colours was co-founded by Andrew Currien, also known as Andy Saxon, who has alleged links to groups like the English Defence League and Britain First.
The initiative has sparked debate, with some viewing it as a celebration of national pride and others warning it has been influenced by far-right elements.
Flags in Public Spaces: A Controversial Debate
Supporters of the movement have not limited themselves to landmarks—they have also draped flags over road signs, roundabouts, and lampposts, often against local council guidance.
Councils in Tower Hamlets and Birmingham, citing safety concerns, have removed banners from public infrastructure.
The debate has also split politicians. Conservative figures like Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick have personally hung flags in public spaces, and Tory leader Kemi Badenoch wrote that flying the flag represents “unity, nationhood, and optimism.”
She added, “There is nothing extreme about pride in our country, whatever our background.
There is nothing racist about flying the flag of your nation.”
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer’s team emphasized that the Prime Minister supports public displays of English flags, noting his pride in British achievements, including celebrating the Lionesses’ success at the Euros.
Patriotism, they said, continues to be an important value for the government.
The Fine Line Between Pride and Preservation
While the Westbury White Horse stunt has ended without lasting damage, it raises questions about how historical landmarks are treated in the modern age.
Balancing celebration of national pride with the protection of heritage sites will continue to be a topic of conversation—and perhaps controversy—across the country.