Beating the bounds of Southwark Cathedral’s parish

Rogationtide processions have taken place in England since the 8th century, combining prayers for God's blessing on farm crops with preserving the collective memory of parish boundaries and passing that local knowledge on to the next generation.

Southwark Cathedral last held a 'beating the bounds' ceremony in 2004, and one of the marks made during that event can still be seen on the wall of the HSBC offices in Park Street.

This year's event included prayers for those who work at City Hall and Southwark Crown Court, as well as railway workers at London Bridge and those who work at and visit The Shard.

The procession paused in the community garden in Melior Street where prayers were said for the work of the Manna Centre.

After prayers in Snowsfields for Guy's Hospital and St Hugh's Church, the procession made its way across the Marlborough Sports Garden to Cathedral School before pausing for a picnic lunch in All Hallows Garden.

The emergency services were remembered during a pause outside the headquarters of the London Fire Brigade in Union Street. Further stops for prayer were made in Great Suffolk Street and Park Street.

The final prayer for the local community and for Borough Market was led by Simon Hughes MP who joined the procession in Clink Street.