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Corporation Perambulates the Bounds

1928 , Southwold (Suffolk)

Cat no. 151

The Corporation of the Borough of Southwold undertake an ancient custom.

A proclamation is shown, giving notice to the Borough of Southwold that the Corporation will 'perambulate the Bounds of the Borough' on Monday, August 6th, 1928. Outside the Town Hall on Southwold High Street, residents and onlookers watch as the Corporation and their followers begin the perambulation equipped with the traditional willow canes to 'beat the bounds'. The group are also shown walking the seaside boundary along the beach, lead by a marching band and Scout group. Finally, Corporation leaders climb into rowing boats in order to follow the boundary which runs along the Walberswick side of the River Blyth.

Featured Buildings

The Town Hall, Southwold

Featured Events

Perambulating the Bounds, Southwold, 1928

Keywords

Ceremonies; Customs and traditions

Background Information

The Beating of the Bounds is an ancient custom. Equipped with willow canes, the party would proceed to the extreme points of the borough boundaries where a small boy was beaten with a cane. It was intended to teach him the limits of his home town for ever more. This had its use for it was not unknown for elderly men to testify in court regarding what lands belonged to whom. In later years the party would tap the boundary point instead. Part of the party went South onto the beach; the other part went north into the town. The party had to cross the river because the boundary ran along the Walberswick side. In this film the vicar is present. Another version of this ceremony is concerned with the Church and is connected to fertility rites

Manifestations

Corporation Perambulates the Bounds

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