Berwick Riding the Bounds

Where: Berwick upon Tweed, Northumberland - starting at Barracks Square
When: Saturday of May Day Bank Holiday weekend (early May)
Time: From 9.30 am.

 

At the Barracks

Most of the annual boundary riding customs in the borderlands take place in Scotland and in June or July; at Berwick they like to do things a bit differently and hold their Riding the Bounds every May. The custom dates back to 1438 when local officials were deciding where Scotland ended and England began; since then the riders have patrolled the boundary to make sure it is faithfully maintained. There are few boundary riding customs in England (though there are exceptions such as Lichfield’s Sheriff’s Ride) but Berwick belonged to Scotland on and off for centuries and shares a common heritage with the other lowland towns which maintain their own Ridings. It’s now organised by the Berwick Riders Association. Expect up to 100 riders led by a Piper and a flag-bearing Marshall. The procession starts at Barracks Square and makes its way to the Guildhall before the  15 mile Rideout starts in earnest – they even stop the traffic on the A1 to  let the riders through!

Helpful Hints

This event now takes place on the Saturday of May Day Bank Holiday weekend (in the past it was held on 1st May regardless of which day of the week it fell upon).

In 2024 it should be on Saturday 4th May.

Riders wishing to take part get a discount on the cap for the event if they apply early. See website for full schedule.

Click here for the event website:berwickridersassociation.co.uk

For more info click here : http://www.visitberwick.com/whats-on/

Click here to find the Berwick Riders Association Facebook page : https://www.facebook.com/BRAbounds

View this location on the map.