Beating the Bounds ceremony held in brilliant sunshine
Around 80 people took part in the ancient custom of Beating the Bounds with the Mayor of St Albans City and District.
The Mayor, Councillor Anthony Rowlands, 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 Rowlands was accompanied by the Mayoress Annie Stevenson, the Deputy Mayor Cllr Jose Madoc and her husband Rhys.
He said afterwards:
Blessed by fine weather, the ancient Beating the Bounds ceremony along the medieval bounds of St Albans was a great success.
Many thanks to all the noble citizens of St Albans and their four-legged friends who accompanied the Mayoral party. The bounds were duly beaten with willow wands at four points en route, prayers offered by the Mayor's Chaplain and a young volunteer repeatedly bumped - though gently.
If you missed it, fear not: the next Mayor will be walking the same route on Rogation Sunday in May 2025.
Photos: top, the Mayor, centre, with Beating the Bounds walkers; below, the Mayor hands out Beating the Bounds certificates to those who took part; the Mayor with mace bearer John Hills.
Media contact: John McJannet, Principal Communications Officer, 01727-819533, john.mcjannet@stalbans.gov.uk.