The Magic of Kenilworth are a local group who have formed to bring back to life one of the old traditions common in English Towns – Beating of the Bounds.  The group has organised a number of walks around the town from smaller versions to the full 20 mile plus Beating the Bounds of Kenilworth.

History

Beating the Bounds was an ancient custom common to a number of European countries, but one which had generally faded away by the end of the 19th century. The beating the bounds was carried out for a number of reasons. One of the reasons was to establish one's actual boundaries and to check the land in general, as maps were scarce and many parishioners could not read or write.

The children were 'invited' along to get to know the actual boundaries and who owned certain pieces of land. Once the actual landmark was found the spot had to be named - this was done by beating it with a wand or stick. If the child didn't know the proper name or place he was consequently beaten, dipped or whatever to make sure he wouldn't forget the spot in future years to come! This privilege was obviously only extended to boys - long live equality!

Laws were finally passed to reform the practice during the Elizabethan era.

The other reason for beating the bounds was that of blessing the crops at the beginning of the growing season. It was very much linked to the Harvest Festival where thanks is given for the harvest received - the crops by this stage have come full circle. Harvest Festival is a tradition still celebrated to this day.

In fact, not only fields were blessed - in seaside districts parishioners would troop down to the waterside and bless water and the fishing boats and pray for a good fishing season ahead.

In England at Rogation tide, often on Holy Thursday or Ascension Day, the local vicar lead his parishioners round the bounds of the parish.

J. Harvey Bloom's all too scarce Little Warwickshire Book (Folk Lore, Old Customs & Superstitions in Shakespeare Land) contains a delightful description of the ceremony.

"The three days before Ascension Day were called Rogation days, and on these days the clergy, church-wardens and other principal inhabitants perambulated the parish boundary, where at the stated points boys of the village were suitably impressed with the actual position of the boundary in question by being humped, beaten of dipped, or some other equally rough treatment, to impress the spot upon their memory in an indelible fashion."

Apparently on these occasions the people taking part in the event were provided with free food and drinks at the expense of the parish. (I don't think we will be adopting this part of the practice!)

The National Trust Guide to Traditional Customs of Britain by Brian Shuel states:
"The Latin verb rogare means 'to ask or beseech' and Rogationtide, five weeks after Easter, was a time given particularly to prayers and religious processions around parishes to encourage the coming crops. Ascension Day, which immediately follows, became the day upon which the parish bounds were beaten. It is clear that in the past the two things were often combined."