Informant38

Brewer, E. Cobham. Dictionary of Phrase & Fable. White Horse
White Horse
of Wantage (Berkshire), cut in the chalk hills. This horse commemorates a great victory gained by Alfred over the Danes, in the reign of his brother Ethelred I. The battle is called the battle of �scesdun (Ashtree-hill). The horse is 374 feet long, and may be seen at the distance of fifteen miles. (Dr. Wise.) 1
An annual ceremony was once held, called �Scouring the White Horse.�