Andy exercised his right to herd sheep across Southwark Bridge as a Freeman of the City of London.
The days of driving livestock through the streets of London are centuries behind us. Well, except, for one day every September...
The London Sheep Drive! On 24 September 2023, 50 North of England Mule Sheep will be driven across Southwark Bridge, by various Freemen of the City.
Back when Smithfield was London's major livestock market, sheep farmers would drive their flocks across London Bridge to get them there. The bridge was tolled, but Freemen of the City had the fee waived. As Master Woolman (and former Lord Mayor of London) Vincent Keaveny says:
"The Sheep Drive is living London history, preserving a link with our past but at the same time celebrating wool, a sustainable product that has so many innovative uses in today's world."
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