Re: The Uffington White Horse | Forum — The Modern Antiquarian

Uffington White Horse 29

Image by Moth

The Uffington White Horse

more_vert

moss Jan 8, 2020 05:39:21

Replying to Ilex Aquifolium

Dear Holly, I am so glad that this thread got the attention it deserved. We all love the stones, the mystery of them as the landscape enfolds around them, the ghosts they capture in the mind.
Uffington White Horse has had stories and poems written about it, and I would like to add just another part.
Wysefool, the chap I mentioned with the mad look, I met him once at a ceremonial scattering of ashes at Wayland's Smithy of one of the contributors to TMA. He was very gentle and shy, and has since died but he cared for Wayland's Smithy and kept it clear of rubbish. An unsung hero. X

tjj Jan 8, 2020 17:16:22

Replying to moss

moss wrote:

Wysefool, the chap I mentioned with the mad look, I met him once at a ceremonial scattering of ashes at Wayland's Smithy of one of the contributors to TMA. He was very gentle and shy, and has since died but he cared for Wayland's Smithy and kept it clear of rubbish. An unsung hero. X

Its good to be reminded of the close association of Wysefool and Treaclechops with Wayland's Smithy and Uffington. Wayland's Smithy is definitely somewhere with an 'atmosphere'. Holly speaks very movingly about her friend remembering all that was alive and quirky about him and that his friends and family may now scatter his ashes up around Uffington. I wonder how many people want to have their ashes scattered up at Uffington White Horse? Or perhaps at another prehistoric site.

I digress - back to Wysefool. I had forgotten he posted this link about Dragon Hill which Holly might find interesting
http://www.berkshirehistory.com/archaeology/dragon_hill.html
it includes this information.
In a 10th century charter, the hill is given its original name of Eccles Beorh, that is 'Church Barrow'. This may suggest that a Christian religious building once stood on the summit.
There was a geophysical survey conducted in 1990 to identify the early medieval chapel that once stood on dragon hill.
I don't know what the outcome of the geophysical survey was.

Ilex Aquifolium Jan 9, 2020 22:31:36

Replying to moss

I'm going to visit Wayland's Smithy on Feb 1st so I shall think of your friend there and his kindness to the place.

I will read voraciously before I go of all that you kind folk have posted for mine and other's perusal. I am most grateful.