The ancient tradition of Beating the Sea Bounds

Marking the historic rivalry between Wareham and Poole's waterways find out about the Beating of the Sea Bounds

Marking the historic rivalry between Wareham and Poole’s waterways!

Beating the Sea Bounds is a fun celebration on the waterways between Poole and Wareham

This long held tradition marks the historic rivalry between the two ports of Wareham and Poole

Orgins of the Beating of the Sea Bounds

Beating the Bounds is an ancient tradition, dating back over 2000 years. Its origins has roots in many different cultures from across Europe and beyond. Before maps and written title deeds were more commonplace, beating the bounds was a way of re-affirming local territories and pass that knowledge on to future generations.

The custom typically involved local dignitaries travelling around the boundaries, stopping at intervals to strike boundary stones or ‘markers’, as a ceremonial way of cementing these boundaries.

These ancient ceremonies have evolved their own individual characteristics over time. In Poole one of the more unusual traditions was that of giving ‘point and pins’. This involved pricking boys and girls fingers to encourage them to remember the boundaries!

Modern maps have made the geographical purpose of these ceremonies obsolete but many communities, including Poole, still ‘beat their bounds’ in honour of this ancient custom, and for Poole the most important boundary was that of its harbour.

Historic dispute between Wareham and Poole

From the Saxon period Wareham, as a Burh town, was an important port in the Kingdom of Wessex. This port was a major source of wealth for the Wareham but from the 12th century onwards the port started to decline due to the river slowly silting up. Poole, which was just a tiny fishing village now had an opportunity to develop into an alternative harbour for local trade, which of course created some disputes between the two town’s maritime boundaries.

The matter become serious enough for King Edward III to ask the port town of Winchelsea to adjudicate over the dispute between Poole and Wareham. Winchelsea, a small town on the Sussex Coast was one of the Cinque Ports (a medieval confederation of English Channel ports in south-eastern England). They were charged with deciding which town had authority over the waters of Poole harbour.

Winchelsea ruled in favour of Poole and in 1364 the ‘Winchelsea Certificate’ was awarded to the town, confirming the boundaries of its waters. The news was great for Poole, resulting in an increase in the revenues raised from the importation and landing of goods at Poole Quay, which became a firm foundation for the future growth and prosperity of the town. Conversely Wareham’s port declined and by the 15th century most sea going vessels stopped coming to Wareham and the town’s fortunes were reduced. Under the reign of Henry VIII the writer John Leland commented that: “Wareham is now within the waulles fallen doun and made into gardins for garlike.”

Wareham - a difficult neighbour for Poole!

Despite the ruling and perhaps due to its lost of revenues Wareham continued to be a difficult neighbour for Poole. In 1600 the town’s fishermen were accused of driving all the fish out of the harbour and fined ten shillings!

During this time the boundary points, although known, were still not properly defined. In 1612 it was ruled that the boundary commenced at “Brome Hill” to “Shag Rock” and “right against” a hill called Redcliffe Atwell” in the Wareham Channel.

Celebratory role from the 17th century

Despite these continual disputes by the mid 17th century the ‘Beating of the Sea Bounds’ started to develop a more celebratory role. In 1661 around 20 boats, with drums beating and colours flying set out to Beat the Sea Bounds, “The good company made merry with the good liquors and provisions they carried with them for that purpose”. By the start of the 19th century the event had developed with several thousand attendees, a 21 gun salute from Brownsea Island, town bands and even fireworks!

The ceremony lapsed in 1834 but was revived in 1921, a result of legal action taken against some illegal trespassers on the harbour shores! By 1924 ‘The Society for Poole’ started to play a pivotal role in all ceremonies, providing the Jurors to escort the Mayor on his journey across the waters. Typically they will visit five locations where the Winchelsea Certificate is read aloud to reinforce Poole’s jurisdiction over the harbour.

A fun day out for all the family at Poole Quay

While a fear of incursion by a neighbouring port may have receded long ago, the ‘Beating of the Sea Bounds’ continues to be an important local event! Taking place every four years, the day has developed into a fun family day out at Poole Quay.

The Society for Poole have continued to play a central role in this unique local event, which now includes a pageant, sea shanty music, stalls, entertainment and even a mock attack by Pirates!

Wareham has been forgiven (almost!) and its dignitaries are regularly invited to the fun, including some of its resident pirates! Although, children can rest assured that the Mayor only pretends to prick the boys and girls fingers now!

Find our more about The Society of Poole on their website: www.societyforpoole.org