Beating the Bounds Comes To Llantrisant - 30 Ebr 2010

Beating the Bounds Comes To Llantrisant

Held every seven years, Beating the Bounds is a seven mile walk around the boundary of the ancient borough covered by a Royal Charter which dates back to 1346.

It was from this Charter that the Freemen of Llantrisant were born, a tradition that exists to this day with thousands of men who inherited the right through their family lineage scattered throughout the world.

In celebrations of their ancient rights to graze cattle on common lands of Llantrisant, the Freemen, local residents and visitors from far and wide will join the march from the old town to neighbouring Cross Inn before embarking on the lengthy boundary walk.

Organised by Llantrisant Town Trust – who manage the rights of the Freemen - in partnership with Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, Beating the Bounds takes place on Saturday June 12th 2010. Supporters of the tradition have previously traveled from as far as the USA, Canada, South Africa and Australia to attend the magnificent event.

The fun-filled family day will involve a Craft Fair at the Swan Street car park, street entertainers and a large marquee on the Castle Green for performances by Llantrisant Male Choir, Llantrisant Ladies Choir, RAF Volunteer Band and children’s choirs from local primary schools.


The children are already showing their support for the day by taking part in a special art competition with plenty of cash prizes on offer.

A shuttle bus service will run throughout the day from the Royal Mint car park to the old town itself.

Following a service at Llantrisant Parish Church the procession, led by the RAF St Athan Volunteer Band, will walk through the old town to nearby Cross Inn. It is there that another historic tradition takes place.

One of the stones marking the ancient borough exists in the garden of a private property in the village and it is here that young boys will be softly "bounced" by the Freemen. The tradition began as a reminder to the youngsters of where the boundaries of their borough existed.

The Beating the Bounds walk – which is open to all – continues to Brynteg, across Llantrisant Common to the border of Ynysmaerdy, through to Talbot Green and back to Llantrisant old town.

The procession will be led by a Freeman holding the 17th century Town Mace – older than the one used in the House of Commons.

Cabinet Member for Culture and Recreation Cllr Robert Bevan said: "As the oldest community in Rhondda Cynon Taf, Llantrisant’s historic past is one of the jewels in the county borough’s crown and we are looking forward with great excitement to supporting this ancient custom.

"In 2003 Beating the Bounds attracted many thousands of people to the hilltop town and in joint partnership with Llantrisant Town Trust, we are confident .that this year’s event is bigger and better than ever."

Further details are available from www.whatsonrct.co.uk and www.llantrisant.net

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