Great Expectations No.20
Talisman
Oil on canvas
25cm x 20cm
2024
by Jake Lamerton (Ash-next-Sandwich)
The white horse of Kent is the old symbol for the Jutish Kingdom of Kent, dating from the 6th–8th century. The white horse relates to the emblem of Horsa, who according to legend defeated the King Vortigern near Aylesford.
Colloquially known as the white horse rampant, the heraldic symbol is of a stallion forcené argent. It is also referred to as Invicta following the Norman invasion of 1066.
In 1067 near the Old Roman Road to London (Watling Street) ancient tradition the men of Kent and Kentish men carrying boughs on their shoulders and swords in their hands met the invader William Duke of Normandy. They offered peace if he would grant their ancient rights and liberties otherwise war and that most deadly. Their request was granted and from that day the motto of Kent has been Invicta meaning Unconquered.