Community members are invited to join the Mayor in an ancient custom dating back to medieval times.

The traditional ceremony of Beating the Bounds in St Albans will happen on May 13 led by the Mayor of St Albans, councillor Mohammad Iqbal Zia.

The ancient ceremony, which dates back to a rebellion in 1327 between the townspeople and the Church, involves walking a three-mile route around St Albans marking the boundary that then existed.

Following a riot against the Abbot, 24 walked around the town to establish its boundaries and their rights.

The two-hour walk will start at 2pm and people are encouraged to meet at the Pudding Stone in front of Kingsbury Mill in St Michael’s Village, to join the mayor and acting town crier, Elizabeth Eastwood.

Prayers will also be said along the way by the Mayor’s chaplain, Mohammad Abdul Muhit, and everyone participating will be given a special Beating the Bounds certificate.

People are invited to beat the ground with wands made of willow at four locations along the way: the Pudding Stone; the boundary mark near The Jolly Sailor pub at Stone Cross; Keyfield car park at Old London Road, and the bridge across the River Ver next to Ye Olde Fighting Cocks pub at Verulamium Park.

To get into the spirit, last week children from St Michael’s Primary School joined the Mayor to wave willow wands at the Pudding Stone.

The Mayor said: “Come along to Beating the Bounds and join in this traditional ceremony that reminds us of local people who fought for rights as citizens.

“It will be great fun walking along the ancient boundary of our lovely City and beating the ground with willow wands at key points along the way.”