More than 60 people attend ancient Beating the Bounds ceremony
More than 60 people took part in the ancient custom of Beating the Bounds with the Mayor of St Albans City and District.
The Mayor, Councillor Jamie Day, led a procession in brilliant sunshine along the historic boundaries of the City in a ceremony that dates back to 1327.
During the 4.5 mile walk, which started at the puddingstone in St Michael’s Village, willow wands were used to beat the ground.
The ceremony was devised to allow people to pass on knowledge of where the City’s boundaries lay and assert their rights as citizens.
Cllr Day was accompanied by the Deputy Mayor, Cllr Jenni Murray, the Town Crier, Stephen Potter, and his Macebearer, Matthew Plumridge.
The event was open to all residents and visitors with participants being given a certificate to mark the occasion.
The Mayor said after the walk on Sunday 11 May:
We had a lovely, fun afternoon amid glorious weather, taking in the City’s many fabulous attractions.
This historic ceremony dates back almost 700 years and I was proud to lead the walk and keep it alive.
My thanks to all those who took part and made Beating the Bounds such a roaring success.
Photos: from the top, Beating the Bounds walkers prepare to set off from the puddingstone; from the left, the Macebearer, Matthew Plumridge, the Mayor, Cllr Jamie Day, the Town Crier, Stephen Potter, and Deputy Mayor, Cllr Jenni Murray; the walkers stop off for a refreshment.
Media contact: John McJannet, Principal Communications Officer, 01727-819533, john.mcjannet@stalbans.gov.uk.