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Riding the Bounds, Berwick upon Tweed, Scengland

Every year on May 1 the “Riding of the Bounds” takes place in Berwick upon Tweed. In 1438 Berwick became part of England after changing hands between England and Scotland several times. Berwick lies 3 miles from the Scottish border and I call the area Scengland. The “Riding of the Bounds” was initiated to check that the area was secure, presumably from the Scots.

Riding the Bounds, Berwick upon Tweed, Scengland

Leaving the Barracks

Riders gather at the Barracks Square. A piper heralds the start of the procession, led by a Marshall holding the Berwick flag down to the Guildhall to request the Mayor’s permission to secure the boundaries.

Riding the Bounds, Berwick upon Tweed, Scengland

Heading down Marygate to the Guildhall

Riding the Bounds, Berwick upon Tweed, Scengland

The Mayoral party on the Guildhall steps

The riders then set off on their mission, halting traffic on the A1, check for marauding Scots and then report back that all is secure handing back the Berwick flag.

“Riding the Bounds” is rather perverse in the current political climate, as recent opinion polls show that 60 – 80% of Berwick residents would like Berwick to be part of Scotland, mainly because of higher per capita public spending in Scotland, so perhaps the ceremony will have to be renamed “Redrawing the Bounds”?

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11 thoughts on “Riding the Bounds, Berwick upon Tweed, Scengland”

  1. Tracy Tyson

    I just wondered if you had any more photos of Riding of the Bounds Berwick 2008. I was taking part and was trying to get hold of some photos.

    Many thanks.

  2. karen

    Tracey, I didn’t get many good photos, too many cars, spectators in way, camera batteries ran out at crucial moment, movement of horses etc. I already deleted most of them. The ones in the post are the best. Many other people were taking photos maybe they have some better ones.

  3. Steph Felton

    Hey, I was chief marshal i was jsut wondering if you any any pics you could get to me, im trying to collect as many as possible!

  5. Lynn

    Im trying to find about this yearrs ride eg time it starts ? + where from as some of us from Annan are coming to ride this yearr

  6. steph Felton

    hey, the ride starts best turned out classes around 9, most ppl arrive between 8 and 9, we meet in the parade car park, outside the Barracks, but there will be over flow parking jsut incase! if u need any info check out our website as we try and keep it updated now!

    Steph Felton
    Berwick Riders Association

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