In a delightful twist of local history, Warrington has welcomed back an iconic figure from its past – Old Billy, the world’s oldest horse.
This venerable equine, who lived over two centuries ago and achieved the remarkable age of 62, has been reunited with his hometown as part of the eagerly anticipated Warrington Arts Festival relaunch.
Born at Wilgreave Farm in Woolston in 1760, he was initially trained as a working horse, labouring for the Mersey and Irwell Navigation Company. Known for his exceptional stamina and infamous temper when hungry, Billy’s career spanned decades, pulling boats and machinery until his retirement in 1819 at Old Warps in Latchford, now Victoria Park.
Despite his historic significance, Old Billy’s tale had somewhat faded from local memory. Thanks to the dedicated efforts of the ‘Bring Back Old Billy Committee’ (BBOBC), led by passionate Warrington artists like Hayley Reid, this oversight is being corrected.
The highlight of this revival is the return of Old Billy’s Victorian-era taxidermied head from Bedford Museum to Warrington Museum’s Cabinet of Curiosities. This homecoming coincided with the launch of the Warrington Arts Festival on July 19th, a weekend filled with art, music and performances inspired by Billy’s enduring legacy.
With a substantial £840,000 funding boost from Arts Council England, Warrington Borough Council and Warrington BID, the festival aims to expand its reach and support local artists. This year’s event promises to be bigger and more inclusive than ever before, animating Warrington’s town centre with an impressive lineup of performances and activities for all ages.
Old Billy’s exhibition at Warrington Museum will run until November 20th, offering workshops and talks to further explore his legacy.
As Warrington gears up to celebrate its heritage through the lens of Old Billy’s remarkable life, the community is invited to join in the festivities and discover – or rediscover- a piece of its rich history.