Why are so many sand banks called 'horse'?

[Kilter]

Re: Why are so many sand banks called \'horse\'?

The one in the Swale may have something to do with this legend:

[ QUOTE ]
A curious tale surrounds a 14th-century member of the family, Sir Robert de Shurland. According to legend, Sir Robert killed a monk and resolved to ask the King for a pardon. In 1327 he rode to where the King's ship was anchored, off the Isle of Sheppey, and gained forgiveness. Returning, he met a witch who said that de Shurland's horse, Grey Dolphin, which had borne him so bravely to the ship, would be the death of him. Sir Robert immediately killed the horse and cut off its head. A year later Sir Robert was walking along the shore when a shard of the horse's bone pierced his foot. Blood poisoning set in and Sir Robert died.



[/ QUOTE ]

 

[Billjratt]

Re: Why are so many sand banks called \'horse\'?

I was told Horse Island (the beginning of this thread) was so named because a previous wreck had a cargo of horses ~ with dire results.
By the way, this is a particularly jaggy sandbank!

 

[bumblefish]

Re: Why are so many sand banks called \'horse\'?

Had one on my old bosun.

 

[dulcibella]

Re: Why are so many sand banks called \'horse\'?

Happens in other languages too. Gazek (Breton for mare) is a common name for shallow bricks.