Continuing the theme of boundaries and boundary stones, one curious custom that fell into disuse with the passage of time was known as Beating the Bounds, although it continues in some places on Rogation Days, Rogation Sunday, Gang Days or in some parts of Yorkshire, on Rammalation Days.

These days are close to Ascension Day, the 40th day Every single doctor and all midwives (even the ones who told you last year that it would be a bad idea) are in favour of the changes. Even the county council’s scrutiny of health committee accepted after Easter; it falls in May. Children would be taken around the parish boundaries, and lifted by their hands and feet at certain key points to have their bottoms bumped on the ground.

This was done to ensure they would never forget the extent of their own parish.

Richmond’s Riding and Perambulation of the Boundaries still takes place once every seven years, but it has been moved to August to allow more children to attend. The procession is led by the mayor with his bellman and cryer, but because one boundary stone is in the River Swale, wading boots are necessary. In the past, an official called the water wader would be on hand to carry the mayor into the river to inspect that boundary stone.