May the 4th this year saw the 415th mounted cavalcade, Berwick Riding of The Bounds
The event has its origins in the 13th Century, when mounted soldiers of the military Garrison rode the boundaries of Berwick’s legal territory to affirm their control over it.
In 1609, when times were more peaceful, following the death of Elizabeth I and The Union of The Crowns in 1603, the ride-out became more of a social event. It has only been cancelled due to war and Covid when it was ridden by a token rider.
Horses and riders assembled in Berwick Barracks before riding to the town hall where the Chief Marshal received a flag from the Mayor.
After completing the route the Cavalcade returned to the town hall and handed the flag to The Mayor, spectators lining Marygate.
Plaques along Marygate name all the previous Chief Marshals.
The Chief Marshal for 2024 is Caitlin Grant and no, not a spelling error, by tradition Berwick Riders spell Marshal with only one ‘l’ her Right Hand Man Millie Hope and Mascot Hollie Rae.