A 700-year-old tradition led by the Mayor of St Albans City and District on Sunday, May 21.

The Mayor Frances Leonard led crowds in Beating the Bounds, and walking the 4.5 mile boundary of the city.

The route includes stopping at various point to hit the ground with willow wands in a rite that dates back to medieval times.

The boundaries were checked by 24 citizens in 1327 following a riot with townspeople from Abbot and from here the tradition has grown.

Initially taken as a stance against the church, religion is a key part of the ceremony and this year prayers were led by the Mayor’s Chaplain, the Reverend Em Coley from St Leonard’s Church in Sandridge.

Tour guide Stephen Potter acted as Town Crier and everyone who participated was given a special certificate for attending.

The two-hour service started at the pudding stone, Kingsbury Mill and ended at the Verulamium Museum with refreshments.

The Mayor said: “Steeped in history, the ceremony of Beating the Bounds helps reminds us of our rights as citizens.

“Everyone had a great time walking along the boundary of St Albans and marking it along the way, in line with tradition.”