Beating the Sea Bounds

About

The Society for Poole is holding the Beating of the Sea Bounds on 7th July 2024 on Poole Quay from 10am - 6pm.

The original purpose of the Beating of the Bounds of Poole Harbour was to check the various marks and boundaries of the original Winchelsea Certificate, awarded to Poole in 1364, to see that the “bounds” or boundary markers still exist, that they are in the correct position and that there has been no encroachment upon waters belonging to the Port of Poole.

The Winchelsea Certificate was of prime importance to Poole as it confirmed the limits of the town’s maritime jurisdiction over the port. The Mayor being “Admiral of the Port” it was he who presided over the locally held Admiralty Courts and it was essential to know his jurisdiction.

Since 1921 the ceremony has been undertaken many times with hundreds of boats escorting the Mayor and with parties and entertainment provided. In 1961 the ceremony was joined by the Jolly Pirates of Poole who added spice and fun to the event whilst collecting for the Mayor of Poole’s Charities. The Society for Poole, which was then The Society of Poole Men, played a pivotal role in all ceremonies since 1924 by providing Jurors escorting the Mayor on his journey across the waters of the Harbour but also supporting each Mayor on every Organising Committee.

The Society for Poole aims to re-establish the event on Poole’s event calendar, restoring this ancient ceremony, unique to Poole, by creating the pageant, a spectacular and fun event with sea shanty music, funfair for children and stalls along the Quay as well as Pirate “fights” and the Jurors parade.

We would like to have local organisations joining us on the Quay to join in and advertise their organisation..

We are anticipating 7,000 people visiting along the length of the quay.

Is your organisation interested in having a stall? There will not be a charge for charities but commercial business would be asked for a donation. You would need to provide your own gazebo.

 

Event schedule:

09:30 - Jury Sworn in at the Customs House and Mayor leave the Port

10:00- Music starts on the stage (opposite Poole Arms)

12:45- Mayor returns to the Quay

13:00- Pirates attack along the Quay

13:25- Pirates made to pay the price

13:55- RNLI display on the water

14:15- Music starts again

17:00- Event closes 

 

Music:

Warehamd Whalers

Chris Ricketts

Murphy's Lore Trio

This event has music and stories throughout the day, a kid’s funfair, crafts and bangs!