The age-old tradition of ‘Beating the Bounds’ in Midsomer Norton was revived last Sunday, when a group of local residents walked around the entire boundary of the town on a beautiful sunny Autumn afternoon.

Organised by the Midsomer Norton Society and led by Revd Christopher Chiplin of St John’s Parish Church, the group, with wooden staffs in hand, took 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 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 ‘tribes’’ territory began and ended, and thereby stop neighbours encroaching.

In later times, beating the bounds had a religious element, which is reflected in the rogation where the accompanying clergy beseech (ie rogare) the divine blessing upon the parish lands for the ensuing harvest.

“Although as a local Councillor and Mayor my work has taken me to every corner of Midsomer Norton over the years, it was really fascinating to see the town effectively in the round in the space of three hours, said Paul Myers, Mayor of Midsomer Norton.

“There were regular stops to consider amazing views, wildlife and historical buildings and features – with everyone sharing their knowledge of the town. The clear consensus of those attending was that the walk gave really interesting perspectives on where we live.”

The Midsomer Norton Society will now be considering how a ‘Midsomer Norton Boundary Walk’ can be developed and promoted as an annual event as well as a general walking route which residents and visitors can explore in all or in part throughout the year.