Perambulation of the Leat – Tiverton

The Perambulation of the Town Leat is a traditional mediaeval custom, also known as water-bailing, that takes place in the town of Tiverton, Devon, England, once every seven years. The event commemorates and claims the gift of the town’s water supply in around 1262 from Isabella, Countess of Devon.

The tradition involves walking the length of the watercourse (the leat) to its source six miles away at Norwood Common.

The procession starts at the Town Hall and is led by the Bailiff of the Hundred, who carries an ancient staff of office, behind him are the “Withy-boys”, drawn from Blundell’s School and Tiverton High School, whose job it is to whip the stream with willow sticks – or withy-wands, then the town beadle, the Mayor of Tiverton, his fellow councillors, and lastly, the general public.

The procession’s first stop is Phoenix Lane in Fore Street from 9:30am. The Bailiff of the Hundred claims the stream “for ever, for the sole use and benefit and as the right of the inhabitants of the town of Tiverton”. Further proclamations are made at, Brickhouse Hill, Chettiscombe, and finally at Norwood Common, where a plaque marks the actual source. The ancient route now involves negotiating many paths that are not public rights of way, some of which must be cleared on each perambulation

The event last took place on 9^th September 2017 when 450 people completed the trek; it is next due to take place on Saturday 14^th September 2024.

The walk starts around 9:30am from Tiverton Town Centre in Phoenix Lane, if you would like to take part please just turn up. The walk is opened by the Bailiff of the Hundred and Mayor of Tiverton, the walk is estimated to take around 6 hours and will be finished around 3:30-4pm. A limited bus service will be provided at Van Post to transport people back to Tiverton Bus Station. Refreshments will be provided by the Lost Kitchen at Chettiscombe, toilets will be provided at Chettiscombe and at Van Post.

The walk is extremely challenging, sturdy footwear and sensible clothing is firmly advised. Participants should be of a good level of fitness and mobility and be aware that the walk is undertaken at their own risk. No dogs are permitted on this walk.