That august group of people, the Streatham Society, is staging a Beating the Bounds walk on Saturday May 24, which promises to be full of history, and some hills.
“Beating the Bounds” an ancient custom that involves walking the boundaries of a parish or area, stopping at boundary markers to “beat” them with wands, to reinforce the community’s knowledge of its boundaries, from a time when Google Maps wasn’t as available as it is today.
Traditionally performed during Rogationtide – five weeks after Easter – Beating the Bounds served as a way to ensure that people, particularly younger generations, were aware of the parish or area’s boundaries.
The ceremony typically involved a procession of local officials, clergy, and sometimes children, walking the perimeter of the parish or area. At each boundary marker, the procession would stop and the boundary marker would be struck with a willow wand or other object.
Beating the Bounds: the Streatham Society is marking its territory on May 24
While the geographical purpose of Beating the Bounds is now obsolete, the tradition continues as a way to strengthen community identity and celebrate local history.
And for Streatham’s Beating the Bounds, you don’t need to be an official nor clergy to take part.
Starting at the Hermitage Bridge, Norbury, the six-mile walk will trace the old Streatham parish boundary to New Park Road, Streatham Hill.
The route goes from the River Graveney at Norbury, along an ancient boundary ditch and across the top of Streatham Common.
It then goes along Leigham Court Road and its interesting old houses and panoramic views, to Leigham Vale.
The Streatham Society organisers say: “After a packed lunch and rest at Hillside Gardens we proceed through the back of Streatham Hill’s eclectic ABCD estate. We continue via the grounds of the once Victorian Roupell estate, and down through Upper Tulse Hill.
“The route then takes in historic Rush Common before we cross the A23 and continue to New Park Road. There will be an option for the super fit to continue to Hyde Farm, where there is an excellent café.”
Led by members of the Streatham Society History Group, the walk will make short stops to view boundary markers and other places of interest along the way.
“There are some hills and a reasonable level of fitness is required,” the organisers warn.
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