Parish bounds
The image below shows the bounds of the parish of Little St Mary's.
Click on the image to get a high-resolution version – this is
particularly useful if you live near the boundaries, where in some streets
only certain houses actually fall within the parish.
The image to the left shows the ancient custom of Beating the Bounds.
© Crown Copyright - Not to be reproduced. Ordnance Survey Licence no 100019918.
Beating the bounds
Every year during Rogationtide (weather permitting) the clergy and people of LSM walk round the parish boundaries. Stations are made at key points, where the gospel is proclaimed and prayers are offered for blessings on those who live and work in the parish. While processing between the stations, we sing hymns, psalms and canticles. The churchwardens, using their staves, symbolically strike certain boundary markers such as the milestone on the Trumpington Road.
This is a revival of a custom that was common in England from the 10th century. In an age when few could read, and before accurate maps were available, the annual ceremony was the most effective way to maintain awareness of the limits of the parish and pass on this knowledge to succeeding generations.
More details can be found here.
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