The first recorded instance in Clapham of the ancient custom of Beating the Bounds was in 1695, the last known occasion was in 1976 to mark the 200th anniversary of the construction of the present parish church.
Starting at the bandstand in the centre of Clapham Common, we will follow the old parish boundary clockwise across the Common and head north towards Battersea and then east along the line of the Heathwall Brook sewer. Turning south east, we cross Larkhall Park down to Clapham North, with the old Lambeth parish of St Marys to the east, and then run south along Bedford Road and Lyham Road. There we will make a short detour to the historic Brixton Windmill and its new education centre where we will stop for lunch.
Suitable refreshed, we head south again to New Park Road, before turning west to skirt Tooting Bec Common in the old Streatham parish. From there our route heads north back to Clapham Common, with a loop along Nightingale Lane towards Wandsworth Common and back for the so-call Clapham Detached section.
Led by members of the Clapham Society history group, the walk will include short talks on buildings and events of interest at several stopping points. Along the way we will note historic items and spot sometimes hidden boundary markers, over 35 of which still identify the route today.
The whole course is about 9.5 miles. Participants are welcome to leave the walk at any point or to join at the lunch break for the second half. Please bring a packed lunch, short stops for refreshments are also planned. The route is largely on the level, however a reasonable level of fitness and endurance is required. More details and a route map with a history guide will be provided to registered participants.
