LORD Hattersley, on a private visit to Devon at the weekend, added a touch of gravitas to the Newton Abbot Court Leet and Court Baron annual 'beating the bounds' ceremony.
Every year, townspeople, led by Keith Stokes-Smith, Lord of the Manorial Borough, walk the three-and-a-half miles round the ancient borough boundary, pausing at significant spots along the way.
Trees, gates, walls, bridges and even the middle of the Little Lemon are beaten with withy wands and an ancient exhortation is read out cursing those 'that translateth the bounds and doles of his neighbours'. The experience formed the subject of Lord Hattersley's Tuesday column in the Daily Mail under the heading 'Roy Hattersley in search of England, staying within the bounds of an old tradition'.
This one is older than most, dating back to 1563. At a time when maps were few and far between, the tradition fulfilled the useful purpose of instilling the whereabouts of the borough boundary into the minds of each new generation. Michael Martyn said that the former Labour deputy leader really appeared to enjoy himself, arriving in a three-piece tweed suit. 'He's quite a cheery sort of character and was remarkable sporting.' He survived the walk up the 131 Widow's Steps, reading the exhortation at the boundary oak at the top of Powderham Road, before departing for his next appointment in Exeter. About 50 people took part, including a number of children from Bearne's primary school. Nearly all the readers tripped up over the old-fashioned wording of the exhortation. 'It was amazing that the best rendition came from a young lady of eight!' said Mr Martyn.