BEATING THE BOUNDS
Beating the Bounds is a circular walk of approximately eight miles around the boundary of the old parish of Hanwell. This is a tradition dating back many centuries where the parish boundary stones are beaten to maintain a common knowledge of the parish boundaries.
This traditionally takes place on the first bank holiday in May and takes about three hours to complete the walk. The custom dates back to Anglo-Saxon times.
The next walk will take place on Monday 3 May 2027 at 12 noon, starting and finishing at the Viaduct pub on Uxbridge Road.
We would love for you to join us this year - please gather at the Viaduct pub at 12 noon where you will be given a willow stick. There is no charge but any donations will go to Hanwell Carnival.
The walk will begin at 12.30
The Hanwell Beating the Bounds consists of a walk of 7-8 miles, taking in approximately 15 boundary stones along the way and lasting around 3.5 hours. There is a stop for refreshments at around the halfway point at The Grosvenor Pub on Oaklands Road.
Have a look at the video of the walk in 2025 or read some stories from the 2022 walk:
"Here's a stone & there's a stone, Our boundaries they span well; They stand erect and they protect, The lovely parish of Hanwell" It was a privilege to join for this year's Beating the Bounds tour of Hanwell on the sunny May bank holiday weekend, with Mike Gahan and Hanwell residents. Hanwell has such a rich and deep history with many traditions, the Beating the Bounds among them. Along each stop on this 8 mile route, Mike taught us something new about Hanwell and why the border stone was placed there. Mike sang a verse from the Stones of Hanwell at each marker, with Steve Pound making sure that we were well versed on the chorus with rehearsals in between! From allotments to back gardens and riverbanks, boundary stones are tucked away all around the ancient parish and each one is a hidden gem you might miss if you didn't know what you were looking for. The boundary markers have stood in the same spot for centuries, marking the route around Hanwell - long before Google Maps came along! In a busy world, and after so much time on Zoom in recent years, it was very grounding to trace an old track, walking and talking and following the footsteps of those who've gone before. It's a credit to the Hanwell Carnival Committee who keep it on the map and celebrate it annually. If you've not joined for it before - join us next May Bank Holiday!
Hanwell deserves national recognition for upholding a quirky and previously vital ancient tradition. Once an annual ceremony in most British towns and villages since Anglo-Saxon times, Beating the Bounds is now a critically endangered ritual. So kudos to Hanwell for its devotion to keeping it alive. And it's the reason my wife and I travelled from Oxford to support Hanwell's yearly custom. Traditionally held in May, this public event encompasses a calf muscle-challenging 8 mile walk around Hanwell to thrash the remaining old boundary stones with willow wands. Trust me, there is a purpose to this - no matter how oddly passers-by look at us. The custom predates maps. Hence it was vitally important that the parish's priest and elders led their population along the marked boundaries each year, to ensure they knew exactly where their parish ended. This ensured taxation and welfare could be applied to their jurisdiction only, and settle any territorial disputes. Not as we’re suggesting for a moment that Hanwell once harboured suspicions towards Brentford folk - although the route does include the site of an old gallows (now disappointingly lost to the M4). Mercifully it also includes two pubs. It makes for a great day out, provides an opportunity to meet some lovely people, gain exercise, become surprised at how charmingly green this area of West London is (the sign in pretty Bittern's Field illustrates the wildlife to be found there, though disappointingly doesn't include a bittern!). Plus hear Hanwell's history by word and song from group leader Mike Gahan. All are welcome in 2023 - including Oxonians and Brentfordians. Richard O'Smith is the author of The Best Ladled Pans of Rice & Penne
These days Beating the Bounds is all about remembering Hanwell’s traditions and getting some exercise, but it used to have an important practical purpose. Checking the boundaries was a way of preventing encroachment by neighbours, as boundary markers such as stones might be moved or lines obscured, and a memory of the true extent of the parish was necessary. This became very formal – the priest of the parish, with churchwardens and officials took young boys to beat the boundary markers with green boughs, usually of willow or birch. Sometimes the boys would themselves be bumped on the boundary stones to make them remember the positions. Taking the younger generation on the walk ensured a continuing line of witnesses to the boundaries.
"Beating the Bounds was very long but very rewarding... walking sticks really help. My favourite stones were the two stones in the allotment because they were in between plants which made it look beautiful." Rowan, age 9
"It was very boring and I was tired of walking.The best part was going into the garden and tapping the stone because I didn't know there was a stone in the garden." Harvey, age 6
It was a fantastic social event with a sociable walk and sociable music. This is what defines the quirks of Hanwell: we're weird but that's the way we do it! Whacking stones, carrying on tradition for, I don't know...300 years?" Jasper, age 12
The modern walk was organised originally by Elaine Hill, and any sponsorship raised is donated to the Hanwell Carnival. Steve Davies is responsible for the current map of the route, and the useful information pack is based on an original guide by Lyn Powell. Mike Gahan does the digging to unearth any lost stones. He is also the man behind the song “The Stones of Hanwell” which walkers are encouraged to sing on their way around.
You can read more about 2025 walk in the article by Tony Sears.
Please register to attend by emailing info@hanwellcarnival.co.uk providing your name, and the number of adults, children and dogs in your group. You can make a donation on the day or support at any time via our website.
