MEMBERS of the ancient Court Leet and Court Baron recently gathered in Newton Abbot to take part in the traditional ‘Beating of the Bounds’ ceremony for the Manorial Borough of Newton Abbot.

The annual event began at 1.30pm at Bearnes School, where officers and members of the Court assembled before setting out on the historic route around the borough boundaries. In the absence of an official Court Crier, the opening proclamation was delivered by Second Constable Michael Joyce.

The customary declaration was then read by the Portreeve, Susan Joyce, alongside fellow members of the Court, before Hayward Martin Davie led the procession towards the first boundary marker at Devon Square.

Accompanied by the Second Constable’s traditional cry of, ‘Make way there for the Portreeve and Officers of the Court,’ participants began the clockwise route through the town.

Following centuries-old custom, walkers marked each boundary point by striking it with a boundary stick.

This year’s route included the challenge of climbing the well-known ‘Widows’ Steps’, with participants debating the exact number of steps before finally agreeing on a total of 131.

The group later gathered at St Mary’s Church, Wolborough, where refreshments were served in keeping with tradition.

The refreshments were kindly provided by the Court’s Bread Weigher, Ingrid Davie, and were warmly welcomed by those completing the walk.

After a short rest, participants resumed the final stage of the route, travelling downhill through Bradley Woods and alongside the River Lemon.

At each designated boundary marker, the historic rituals of proclamation and striking the boundary were faithfully observed.

The ceremony concluded back at Bearnes School, where the final boundary marker was struck in accordance with tradition, bringing the annual event to a close.

Anyone interested in learning more about the ancient Court Leet and Court Baron of the Manorial Borough of Newton Abbot can contact the Portreeve, Susan Joyce, at [email protected].