Another of those quirky English customs took place yesterday.
Beating the bounds is an ancient custom observed by Parishes in medieval times and still practised by many.
In the days when maps were a rarity the local priest, wardens and a group of boys armed with birch or willow boughs would literally beat the ground marking the boundaries of their Parish. The boys would often be at the receiving end of these boughs. The object being to ensure that the boundaries would continue to be protected.
The city of London boundary extends to the middle of the Thames. This involves the party piling into a boat and beating the water.
NB: No boys were beaten in the marking process in 2010.
Like most parts of London, if you find a pub or a street with a name like this then there is history associated with the name.
Some days you see a spot you've been to hundreds of times at a slightly different angle. I came out of the tube station at Tower Hill to catch the last of the afternoon light. I think I've always walked the other side of the underground side as I haven't noticed this view before.
Well I assume that is her role. I found her on Trinity House, however I can't find any other information. Do you know anything about her?
The Thames is an amazing archaeological site, much of it accessible to the public. An area of the foreshore by Tower Hill, not usually accessible, was open to the public last weekend during the hours the tide permitted. (Thanks to the Thames Discovery Organisation)
Another of those quirky English customs took place yesterday. Beating the bounds is an ancient custom observed by Parishes in medieval times and still practised by many.