Duchy reinstates ancient tradition in the heart of London

5/18/2010

The Duchy of Lancaster has revived an ancient custom by Beating the Bounds around London's historic Savoy Estate.

In the middle ages, it was customary for landowners to walk around the parish boundary, beating particular landmarks with willow-wands or sticks so that local communities knew exactly where the boundaries lay. Sometimes, local children might even have their heads bumped on a marker stone as it was believed that this would help them remember its location. Traditionally, The Duchy of Lancaster processed around the twelve historic markers which denote the Manor boundary, but this custom was abandoned in 1969.

The Chairman of the Duchy Council Lord Shuttleworth, Lord Lieutenant of Greater London Sir David Brewer, Lord Mayor of Westminster Duncan Sandys and Lord Lieutenant of Northamptonshire Lady Juliet Townsend, joined other members of the Duchy Council, the Chaplain of the Queen's Chapel of the Savoy, several choristers and invited guests in a restoration of that historic procession.

The route covered 12 boundary markers spread along the Strand, through the Middle Temple and along the Embankment. As Steward, Paul Clarke CVO, Chief Executive of the Duchy of Lancaster and Clerk of the Council, carried out the traditional beating of each landmark along the way.

Speaking about the event, he said: "Reinstating the Beating of the Bounds this year, helped to commemorate our historic relationship with the Savoy Estate and this historic area of London. The walk provided us all with a highly visual reminder of the scope of our Manor, while reminding us of many of the key landmarks that form part of the area. Some of the markers we visited and acknowledged included parts of the embankment, the interiors of various buildings and even a former tramway tunnel. We were particularly grateful, this year, to the managers of the Lyceum Theatre for locating and reinstating the boundary marker, which originally hung above the stage."

The Savoy Estate, which includes the beautifully restored Queen's Chapel of the Savoy, is the Duchy of Lancaster's main urban holding. It is bounded by the Strand and the Embankment, but does not include the Savoy Hotel. The various buildings within the Estate are let, predominantly as shops and/or offices. The Duchy of Lancaster office is also located within the Savoy precinct, as it has been for many centuries.

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Photo captions:

Paul Clarke, Chief Executive of the Duchy of Lancaster, beating the bounds

Notes to editor:

Founded in the 13th century, The Duchy of Lancaster is a unique portfolio of land, property and assets held in trust for the Sovereign in his or her role as Duke of Lancaster.

Today, The Duchy of Lancaster is custodian of 18,700 hectares across England and Wales, including key urban developments, historic buildings, high-quality farm land and areas of great natural beauty.

In all aspects of its work, The Duchy is guided by respect for the past, commitment to effective present-day management and an imaginative vision of the future. For more information visit www.duchyoflancaster.co.uk

Press contact: Deborah Garritty, Bell Pottinger North

Tel: 01625 506444/411

dgarritty@bellpottingernorth.co.uk