The Master as a Freeman of the City of London exercises her ancient right to drive sheep across London Bridge

On Sunday 29th September London Bridge was closed for the Worshipful Company of Woolmen who organised a Sheep Drive to celebrate Wool in the City and Sheep on the Bridge. The Master Woolman, Mark Johnson invited Freeman ofthe City of London and their friends to take part. The first sheep drive of the day was led by the Lord Mayor, Peter Estlin, accompanied by the Master Woolman and celebrity guest The Rt Hon Michael Portillo who led a flock of North of England Mules on probably one of his Greatest Journeys, namely traversing the River Thames.

In medieval times, sheep farmers drove their sheep across London Bridge to sell them at market in the City of London. Freemen were excused the bridge toll in recognition of their status as local traders who proudly held the right todrive sheep across the bridge, once London’s only river crossing and sole trading route. The event was in aid of the Lord Mayor’s Appeal and the Woolmen’s Charity.