Witness the Beating the Bounds ceremony around the Tower of London, Thursday 1 May 2008, starting at 6:45pmWitness the Beating the Bounds ceremony around the Tower of London, Thursday 1 May 2008, starting at 6:45pm
On Thursday 1 May at 6:45pm a party from the Tower of London, led by the Resident Governor and including several colourful Yeoman Warders (Beefeaters) and local children, will undertake the ancient ceremony ‘Beating the Bounds’.
Performed every three years on Ascension Day, this event preserves the core of a centuries-old boundary dispute between the Tower and its nearest neighbours. The boundary, though lying outside the defences of the castle, was considered nonetheless to be part of the Tower, the property of the crown and vital for security of the fortress.
Starting inside the walls of this mighty fortress, the Tower party will process around the edges of the Tower of London Liberties and whip the iron plague markers that outline the liberties. Members of the public are invited to join this spectacle at the West Gate and follow the procession.
Don’t miss out on this rare opportunity to see this unique event at the Tower of London as you won’t get another chance until 2011!