Beating the Bounds has its roots in medieval times, when parishes reaffirmed their boundaries by circling them in procession, pausing to beat each boundary mark with wands and pray for the crops. Each year on Ascension Day All Hallows by the Tower, with the aid of students from St Dunstan's College, follows this tradition and prayers are said for the parish, its business community and the City. The ceremony is followed by Festal Evensong in the presence of the Lord Mayor and Sheriffs.