The custom of Beating the Bounds - walking around the old Borough Boundaries - has been exercised in Beaumaris since the original Charter of King Edward I in 1296.

The perambulation took place every seven years to acquaint each succeeding generation with the boundaries. Although the ritual today appears to be only a pleasant revival of an historical custom, in 1296 - when no maps were available - it was of great practical importance in ensuring that no encroachment occurred. And it was a serious duty, performed at the command of the Constable of the Castle and the Mayor of the Borough.

In 1562, Elizabeth I granted Beaumaris its Charter of Incorporation, giving the town Corporate status. Special reference was made in this Charter to the extent of the Borough, and the document also gave power to perambulate the Borough Boundaries.

Also, if expedient, the authorities were given the power to cast down, destroy, break or burn all such hedges, walls, ditches, boundaries, houses, house walls, crosses and all other enclosures without any payment.

The custom usually took place on Rogation Day (the Sunday before Ascension Day), but a Public Holiday is normally chosen in modern times to give everyone an opportunity to take part.

A procession forms outside the Town Hall, headed by the Town Band and led by the Town Mayor and members of Beaumaris Town Council. The procession then leaves for St Mary's & St Nicholas's Parish Church for a service.

Afterwards the procession re-forms and moves to the Pier entrance. Following a short service the Mayor and councillors proceed to the Pier Head, where a pebble is cast into the Menai Strait as a reminder of the jurisdiction of the town of Beaumaris and its former Corporation over the harbour and its waters.

The perambulation then moves along the shore to Gallows Point, up Point Hill and across the golf course to the old house called Cefn for refreshments followed by a short service.

Since one half of the building is in Llandegfan and one half is in Beaumaris, the Town Mayor crosses the roof.

The route then crosses the main Beaumaris-Pentraeth road, skirts Cremlyn and follows the River Cadnant to Gorslwyd, near the village of Llanddona where the Mayoress crowns the area's oldest lady inhabitant with a crown of heather and wild flowers.

The route then proceeds to St Iestyn's Church for a short service. The Mayor is preceded into church by two pupils of Ysgol David Hughes School, wearing mortar boards and crowns of turf cut locally. The crowns are left on either side of the doorway.

After the service refreshments are provided and the walk re-commences via Pen-y-Bryn, Gyfynys and Pont-y-Brenin, the bridge across the Beaumaris-Llangoed road. Some people walk under the bridge to claim the Boundary.

The route then passes Rhos and Trecastell to the shore at Gorad Bach, returning to Beaumaris via the shore. All then disperse.

The 2007 event will take place on Bank Holiday Monday, May 28. The procession leaves the Town Hall at 9.30am for the church service at 10am. Pier entrance: 10.45am. Cefn: 12.30 pm. Llanddona: about 2.30pm. St Iestyn's Church: about 3pm.