School students have been given the opportunity to “beat the bounds” at an ancient procession held by a historic castle in London this evening.
Pupils from the Coopers’ Company and Coborn School in Upminster will be joining beefeaters at the Tower of London to take part in the historic tradition, which takes place every three years on Ascension day - The fortieth day of Easter.
Beefeaters - or yeoman warders - will take the children around the edges of the Tower of London with the children using willow sticks to beat iron plaques that mark the tower’s borders.
The tradition originates from land disputes with the tower’s neighbours from as early as the 12th century, who claimed to own land that belonged to the castle.
Chief yeoman warder Alan Kingshott said: “It’s quite a colourful procession - we leave the tower at twenty to seven, there will be a body of yeoman warders all dressed in state uniforms.”
The students will be involved in a confrontation with the nearby parish on the historically disputed land, which is outside of the castle walls, as part of the ceremony. Alan says it’s “all good fun.
“It’s very important that we maintain these customs and traditions.” He added: “It’s something they [the students] will take away with them and they will one day remember.”
Once the procession has concluded, the students will be brought back to the tower for cakes.
The chief beefeater said: “This is the first time I’m leading it, for me it’s a great honour.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here