The age-old tradition of ‘Beating the Bounds’ in Midsomer Norton is to return for a second year on Sunday, 22nd September, meeting at the Town Hall at 2 p.m., when a group of local residents will walk around the entire boundary of the town.

Organised by the Midsomer Norton Society and led by Rev. Christopher Chiplin of St John’s Parish Church, the group, with wooden staffs in hand, estimate that based on last year’s event, it will take just over three hours to walk as near as possible the entire Midsomer Norton town boundary.

The reason for choosing to walk the Town Boundary is that the Parish Boundary reflects the pre-1933 map of Midsomer Norton – the Parish boundary, for example, includes Clandown and Clapton. The origins of the custom of ‘Beating the Bounds’ in the UK is believed to date back to days of Alfred the Great and Æthelstan, and may even have derived from the Roman festival of Terminalia held in February. Terminus was the god of landmarks and in practical terms, the idea was that in the days before maps, if you lived in an area, you needed to know where your ‘tribe’s’ territory began and ended and thereby stop neighbours encroaching.

In later times, beating the bounds had a religious purpose which is reflected in the rogation where the accompanying clergy beseech (ie. rogare) the divine blessing upon the parish lands for the ensuing harvest. As a result, Beating the Bounds was held on Ascension Day or Rogation Sunday.

This feature originated in the 5th Century, when Mamertus, Archbishop of Vienne, instituted special prayers, fasting and processions on these days. This clerical side of the parish bounds-beating was one of the religious functions prohibited by the Royal Injunctions of Elizabeth I in 1559, but it was then ordered that the perambulation should continue to be performed as a quasi-secular function, so that evidence of the boundaries of parishes might be preserved.

Paul Myers, Chairman of the Midsomer Norton Society, says: “Although as a local Councillor and previously as Mayor for eight years my work has taken me to every corner of Midsomer Norton, it is really fascinating to see the town in this way.

“There will be regular stops to consider amazing views, wildlife and historical buildings and features – with everyone sharing their knowledge of the town.”

Anyone interested in taking part can ring: 07530 042627 for further details.