Beating The Bounds in Hanwell

Monday 4th Monday

An ancient tradition in Hanwell which takes place on Bank Holiday Monday is happening again this year.

Known as 'Beating the Bounds', it dates back to Anglo Saxon times. Checking the boundaries was a way of preventing encroachment by neighbours - sometimes boundary markers such as stones would be moved or lines obscured - and a memory of the true area of the parish was necessary

The priest would lead a group of young boys armed with willow or birch boughs who would 'beat' the boundary markers which would help them remember their position. Taking the younger generation along ensured a continuous line of witnesses to the boundaries.

112 walkers took part last year, most taking about three hours to complete the route. Toddlers to octogenarians donned their walking boots for the event which raises funds, through donations from participants, for Hanwell Carnival. 

For more information and to register click here or call Elaine on 07788585857.

29th April 2015