The Copper Horse with views of the castle from The Copper Horse along The Long Walk

 The Copper Horse, a statue of George III on horseback, was erected on Snow Hill by his son, George IV and created by Sir Richard Westmacott in the years 1824-1830. The statue is the source of a rumour that the sculptor hanged himself after realising he had forgotten the stirrups. As Sir Richard lived to a ripe old age the story is not founded in truth!

George IV wanted the statue of his father to resemble that of Peter the Great in St Petersburgh, hence the massive base.

Before the Copper Horse could be erected, it was damaged in transit when the cart carrying it broke down near Snow Hill, and a furnace was set up on the spot and repairs made to the damaged leg.

There are superb views of the castle from The Copper Horse along The Long Walk, an avenue similar to Queen Anne's Ride, some 2.7 miles long. Well worth a - long - walk!

 

 The Copper Horse statue is a huge installation and worth visiting in its own right. The view back toward the Castle is spectacular and you can see the Staines reservoirs, Harrow, Wembley , Heathrow and the skyscrapers of London from this great vantage point.

The Long Walk was commenced by Charles II from 1680-1685 by planting a double avenue of elm trees. The central carriage road was added by Queen Anne in 1710. The original planting comprised 1,652 trees placed 30 feet apart in each direction. The width between the two inner rows was 150 feet, and overall 210 feet. It is a little less long than the three miles of popular rumour being around 2.65 miles (2 2/3rds miles or 4.26 km) from George IV Gateway at Windsor Castle to The Copper Horse.

 

The Copper Horse on Snow Hill, and the view north along The Long Walk towards Windsor Castle and the George IV gateway.

 

"Imagination cannot picture an approach of greater magnificence, produced by circumstances which ages alone could bring about, and of which ages alone can produce a rival."