Beating the bounds

for 2 hours
St James & St Paul, Marton
Congleton Road Marton Macclesfield, SK11 9HF, United Kingdom
After our family service of worship, there will be the opportunity to 'Beat the Bounds' of Marton Parish.
Beating the bounds is a centuries-old tradition, aimed at reminding everyone of boundaries that were important in their lives. During Rogationtide—the fifth week after Easter—villagers, with the minister and other local dignitaries, would walk the parish bounds. The children would carry willow wands with which to beat the boundary markers.
Beating the bounds is just as important today. It reminds our local community that we have a common or green with a boundary to be guarded, and in the process also shows them how much enjoyment and interest the area has to offer. It’s a practical and enjoyable way to protect a valuable part of our heritage.

St James & St Paul, Marton

Welcome to the parish church of St James and St Paul in Marton, near Macclesfield, in Cheshire.

We are part of the Church of England in the Diocese of Chester, serving the small (but perfectly formed) village of Marton, a few miles north of Congleton. Our church building is (we think) the oldest of its kind still in use in Europe, and we are rather fond of it.

It was founded in 1343, and much of what was built then is still here. We hope that both the building and the worshipping community will be here for another few centuries at least.

The Rural Daneside Churches are in the process of finding and appointing a new vicar and, in the meantime, the work of the church continues.

For any enquiries, please use the "Get in Touch" page.

For details of our services, see the Services and events page.  

The parish of Marton: St James is committed to the safeguarding of children, young people and adults. For information, please click "Safeguarding".

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Benefice Administrator

Rural Daneside Benefice Office
Colshaw Heath Farm
Colshaw Lane
Siddington
Macclesfield
Cheshire

SK11 9LZ
Office Manager
01260 224447

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Beating the bounds

for 2 hours
St James & St Paul, Marton
Congleton Road Marton Macclesfield, SK11 9HF, United Kingdom

After our family service of worship, there will be the opportunity to 'Beat the Bounds' of Marton Parish.
Beating the bounds is a centuries-old tradition, aimed at reminding everyone of boundaries that were important in their lives. During Rogationtide—the fifth week after Easter—villagers, with the minister and other local dignitaries, would walk the parish bounds. The children would carry willow wands with which to beat the boundary markers.
Beating the bounds is just as important today. It reminds our local community that we have a common or green with a boundary to be guarded, and in the process also shows them how much enjoyment and interest the area has to offer. It’s a practical and enjoyable way to protect a valuable part of our heritage.

Our Benefice