THE sound of 500 cavalry horses has been brought to life for visitors to a historic site.

Cavalry 360°, a sound-based art installation for English Heritage has been unveiled at Chesters Roman Fort in Chollerford,

The work – a mechanical, circular sound installation measuring 3.5m high and 12m across – opened to the public on Wednesday.

In the second century, the garrison was a hub for the elite of the Roman auxiliary forces and the 500 cavalry horses that lived there were key to the security of the Roman frontiers.

Cavalry 360° aims to give visitors an insight into the sound and atmosphere when they moved across the landscape.

A total of 32 wind turbines, each holding three cups, drive hundreds of mini beaters to strike sound boxes around the circular frame. Two wind turbines represent the sound of a turma, a unit consisting of around 30 horses. This creates a unique rhythm as the wind rises and falls.

Kevin Booth, senior curator for English Heritage, said around 30 artists were approached, and submissions varied from traditional sculptures to video suggestions, but eventually Mark Nixon, of design company NEON, impressed the team with his plans for the sound installation.

“It was about coming up with a way to describe man’s relationship with the horse and also the relationship with the landscape,” explained Mark.

“We wanted it to be fresh and engaging. It’s similar to if you ask someone whether they would prefer to watch a film or read a book, many would say read a book because it leaves more open to the imagination.

“This is more open in the way of allowing people to experience and imagine when the cavalry were here – the sound, which is like a surround sound system, is a 360 degree circle of sound – and when you’re in the middle it comes from all directions.

“When the wind blows slightly it sounds like trotting horses, and as it picks up it begins to sound like galloping which, as you look out over the landscape, you can get a sense of what it was like when the cavalry used to live here.”

The installation was commissioned as part of Hadrian’s Cavalry, a summer exhibition taking place across 10 sites along Hadrian’s Wall until September 10.

Kevin, who worked alongside Mark to bring the idea to life, added: “I wanted something that really stood out and really made its mark, and something visitors would not only look at but actively engage with, and Mark’s idea really ticked all those boxes.

“There’s always that little bit of trepidation thinking what will the public response be to seeing a big mechanical frame sitting on a beautiful site.

“When we had it set up for the first time we had no idea how it would behave and work, but the effect when there is a strong wind is fascinating.

“If people walk away saying it was charming, then I am happy.

“With that thought, if they leave the site having spent 20 minutes longer than they would have, that’s also good.”