Beating the bounds

My village has decided to reinstate an ancient tradition, ‘Beating the Bounds’.

Apparently this yearly (or even every three years) ritual dates back to the Roman times, and Kent, being one of the oldest counties has been doing it a while.

More recently (1400 years ago) it has been hijacked by the church, and incorporated into Rogation week.

Historically, the purpose of Beatin the Bounds was to remind the people in the community of the extent of the parish. The parish boundary was marked by landmarks such and oak trees, ponds and carved stones. The Marden parish stones have an M on one side and an S on the other. This way you knpw which parish you’re sting in - Marden or Staplehurst.

Traditionally the procession would beat the stones with willow sticks for some reason. Also young boys in the group would have various unpleasantness visited upon them at notable markers, in order that they remember the locations. These torments may include; being thrown into a pond, being told to touch the marker stone and then having their finger twisted and being whipped with the willow sticks.

As the Marden boundary is 26miles long, the organized route was only a couple of miles.

Milo and I cunningly left our bike locked up at the end of the route, so were able to make a fast getaway before the rector started drumming up victims for the Rogation service at the church.

No children where whipped during the day, but Milo dropped his stick at one point, which was a bit upsetting for him.

Written by exmonkey on May 20th, 2007 with no comments.
Read more articles on General.