BEATING THE BOUNDS - BRITISH TRADITION - WHAT IS IT? - 30 MAY 2019 BEATING THE BOUNDS [as in Boundaries] has its roots in MEDIEVAL TIMES, when PARISHES [before the time of the WARD & the local BOROUGH (32+1 in Greater London - i.e. "33" = 3 x "11" = "5"+"6" = Master Number of The Occult = "Talisman of Saturn" = Satan = see the Silver buckle with huge symbolism on the belt of the nurses of the Queen - linked to the private King Edward VII hospital - the hospital used by the Queen)] reaffirmed their boundaries by circling them in procession, pausing to beat each boundary mark with (birch or willow) WANDS [the word "Wands" tends to imply that some "MAGIC" is implied/inferred/invoked] and pray for the crops.
In taking part in the ceremony, the students of St Dunstan's College return to their roots, as the school originated in the parish of St Dunstan in the East. Although the school moved out of the City in the 19th century, a few selected students return to All Hallows each year to participate in the "BEATING OF THE BOUNDS", and the custom prevails today.
The students & clergy are joined by the ALDERMAN & COMMON COUNCIL of TOWER WARD, the MASTERS, CLERKS, & other representatives of WORSHIPFUL LIVERY COMPANIES (of which there are the hugely symbolic 110 in total - links to the number "11") associated with the area.
A "Woods Silver Fleet" motor launch was used, in addition to access to the pier [the interest held by London River Services].
Every 3rd (third) year the ceremony involves a 'battle' with the GOVERNOR and YEOMAN WARDERS of HM Tower of London [which is a "Royal Palace" - the gentleman that took these videos of "BEATING THE BOUNDS" had access to ALL Royal residences (including HM Tower of London) - as he lived in the premier palace (to which ALL Ambassadors & High Commissioners are accredited)(when living there, my colleagues told me that the property was confiscated from the Church and underneath is the place where plague victims were buried!) - the residence of the late HM QE the QM - whilst I was part of her household (the late Lady Diana Spencer {daughter of Earl Spencer, who sat next to his daughter, back on her wedding day, on Wednesday, 29 July 1981, when the gentleman who took these videos kept asking her to wave to him as he stood immediately next to her father & her, as they both waited in the "glass coach", he was standing next to the coach, waiting for what seemed like ages, outside the front door - before the black wooden gates were eventually opened to the public, then the whole formality of the "magical" "fairytale" was to begin - yet the public NEVER understood}, Diana stayed the night before her wedding day - it was clear to me she had her reservations - but her sons will NEVER know NOR will they ever understand!)] at the boundary mark shared by the Tower and the Church.
The battle commemorates an occasion in 1698 when a riot took place between the people of the Tower and those of the parish. The next such 'battle' will take place in 2020!!!
Once the Beating Party returns to dry land, the procession continues around the PARISH with the students marking the boundary with canes as they go. After The Tower Of London; HM CUSTOM HOUSE (due to move out in 2020); St DUNSTAN IN THE EAST; PLANTATION HOUSE; KNOLLYS HOUSE; ALL HALLOWS BY THE TOWER.
Thursday 30 May 2019 - Ascension Day - Rogation [Rogare means "to ask", as in days of "supplication" meaning "to petition" (as a form of prayer)].
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