Several dozen people attend ancient Beating the Bounds ceremony
More than 50 people took part in the ancient custom of Beating the Bounds with the Mayor of St Albans City and District.
The Mayor, Councillor Teresa Heritage, led a procession in bright and windy weather 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 Heritage was accompanied by Deputy Mayor Cllr Sue Griffiths, Town Crier Stephen Potter, Macebearer Matthew Barnes, and the Mayor’s Chaplain, Revd Tim Vickers
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 10 May:
We had a lovely afternoon amid bracing walking 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 this tradition alive.
My heartfelt thanks to all those who took part and made Beating the Bounds such a roaring success.
Photos: the Mayor and walkers at the puddingstone; the Mayor with Macebearer Matthew Barnes.
Media Contacts: www.stalbans.gov.uk/news-and-whats.