Oxford gathers to Beat the Bounds

The annual tradition takes place 49 days after Easter Sunday, on Ascension Day, and is marked by people beating the former boundary stones of the city with willow sticks.

Tomorrow the Lord Mayor will be #BeatingtheBounds at @OxfordTownHall. This custom, which has been done by @smng_oxford since 1428, is a must-do #Oxford tradition and is open to all. The day starts at 9am at the church #tradition #Ascension pic.twitter.com/8ZaNXJowaD

— Lord Mayor of Oxford 2022-23 (@OxfordLordMayor) May 25, 2022

It dates back to the 15th Century, and possibly Saxon times, the Lord Mayor James Fry attending as per tradition.

Thank you to the trumpeter from @ChCh_Oxford and all those who attended our #AscensionDay2022 breakfast, Communion Service and Beating of the Bounds, in whole or in part! #beatingofthebounds
Grateful to @LincolnOutreach and @BrasenoseNews for hospitality!

— St Michael at the North Gate Church (@smng_oxford) May 26, 2022

READ MORE: Oxford’s strangest 600-year-old tradition goes ahead without an audience

Reverend Anthony Buckley from St Michael at the North Gate Church said: "It was very nice to see so many people come and support us. It's a nice reminder for the city about the traditions that we have. 

Our mark at the @bodleianlibs is a bit too high up for our brave beaters from @NCSOxford.#beatingofthebounds pic.twitter.com/0tXiaBAQ7p

— University Church (@SMVOxford) May 26, 2022

"We had a trumpet and singers from the choir this year, so we started ascension day in style."

Read more from this author

This story was written by Shosha Adie. 

She joined the team in 2022 as a digital reporter.   

To get in touch with her email: Shosha.Adie@newsquest.co.uk

Follow her on Twitter: @ShoshaAdie

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