The official notice has been given for an historic septennial walk in Richmond.
The boundary walk will take place on Wednesday, August 29.
Ahead of the walk an official notice of the event is issued by the town council.
It states: “I GIVE NOTICE that pursuant to the charters of Queen Elizabeth I (1576) and King Charles II (1668) and following custom faithfully observed since those times the boundary of the Borough of Richmond in the County of York will be ridden and perambulated by the Council of the said Borough, the Lords of the Manor of Richmond aforesaid, its agents, tenants and others on WEDNESDAY AUGUST 29th 2018 at 9 o’clock in the forenoon, beginning at the centre of the bridge over the River Swale leading from Richmond aforesaid to Sleegill, when and where the Lords of the adjoining Manors and all persons interested may attend if they think proper.
“No dogs will be allowed on the perambulation (except guide dogs).”
Other information is issued with the notice. It states:
• Walkers undertake the walk at their own risk
• Wear suitable clothing and footwear and provide your own first aid kit. Distance approximately 15 miles
• 8.30 am. Process from Richmond Town Hall
• Alternatively 8.45am – 9am from The Green Bridge
• 11am break (Olliver Ducket) 1.15pm (Deepdale) refreshments available to purchase, alternatively bring your own packed lunch
• Finish approximately 4.15pm
• Certificate (if desired) 50p proceeds to Mayor’s Charities
It is believed the tradition dates back to 1575 and it is thought this will be the 63rd Riding.
The original intention of the Boundary Riding was to identify and proclaim the boundary of the township.
Whilst this is not longer the purpose, more than 500 people, and often nearer 1,000, have participated in this tradition in recent ‘ridings’.
For virtually all of the 14 mile walk, the procession is led by the Pinder, or pioneer, and tradition has it that no-one is allowed to walk ahead of him.
Robert Chandler, who sadly died in 2017 had lead the previous four Boundary Ridings and his father before him had lead five.
This year Jeff Edmondson will lead the riding.
Comments are closed.
The boundary riding is a great day out, having done the whole and parts over the past 8 Ridings, I look forward to seeing photographs this year!