By C. Perera, JadeTimes News
The head of Old Billy, the world's oldest horse, has been returned to its birthplace after a campaign by a group of artists to bring it back for a local festival. Old Billy, born at a farm in Woolston, near Warrington, in 1760, spent nearly sixty years working, powering machinery and pulling boats on the River Mersey. After his death in 1822 at the age of 62, his taxidermied head was housed in Bedford Museum.
Hayley Reid, leading the project to return Old Billy's head to the Warrington Arts Festival, emphasized the horse's cultural significance to the town. Reid, originally from Woolston, expressed excitement about the return, noting that many local residents were unaware of Old Billy's legacy. She highlighted the importance of celebrating the horse, given its historical importance to Warrington.
A representative from Culture Warrington detailed Old Billy's history, stating he was initially taught to plough before being purchased by the Mersey and Irwell Navigation Company in 1763. The horse became renowned for his stamina and temper, working for the company until his retirement in 1819. Old Billy's fame even saw him participate in celebrations for King George IV's coronation in Manchester, and he received many visitors until his death, an unusual occurrence in the early 19th century when animals were typically not sentimentalized.
Several artworks of Old Billy were created around his death, with one currently held in the Warrington Museum and Art Gallery. The horse's head was divided, with the taxidermied portion going to Bedford Museum and the skull to Manchester Museum, where it is displayed under a neon sign bearing his name. Old Billy's story continues to inspire, leading to the publication of a children's book in 2023 and the creation of music and artworks. Reid expressed hope that the return of Old Billy's head would inspire further creative projects and community engagement, including workshops and talks.
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