The annual Bodmin Riding custom was held at Bdomin on the Sunday and Monday after 7 July (St Thomas a Becket's Day). Accounts over its long history vary, but it involved a horseback procession around the town, carrying two large garlands, and probably originated as a Guild Riding custom. The earliest documentary evidence of the custom is in the Bodmin parish church rebuilding accounts of 1469-72, and it ceased in the early 19th century, but was revived in 1974 and now forms part Bodmin heritage and riding festival.

Photos from Bodmin Riding 2006 click here.

The following text is from the Penny Cyclopaedia of the Society for the Difussion of Useful Knowledge 1816 - "In the vicinity of Bodmin is Halagaver Moor, where a low kind of festival, called • Bodmin Riding,' was formerly held in the month of July. Carew thus describes it. A mock mayor was elected,, before whom was brought some person ' charged with wearing one spurre. or going un- trussed, or wanting a girdle, or some such like felony, and after he hath been arraygned and trycd with all requisite circumstances, judgment is given in formal terms, and executed in some one ungracious prank, more to the skorne than hurt of the party condemned. Hence is sprung the proverb, when we see a man slovenly dressed, " He shall be presented in Halagaver Court." ' It is said that Charles II. once 'rode to Halagaver Court.' A large body of the populace still assemble on some particular day in July, an'l march to Halagaver, some on horseback and some on foot, carrying garlands of flowers. The evening is spent in wrestling, drinking, &c."

Click here to view the "Beast of Bodmin Gallery" which forms part of Bodmin Riding and Heritage festival.

There is also a traditional tune called Bodmin Riding.