Master lauds ‘gloriously eccentric’ tradition of driving sheep across City bridges

Master Nick Dunlop joined eight other WCI members as they exercised their ancient right as Freemen/women of the City of London to drive sheep across the river and into the City. He described the tradition as “gloriously eccentric and wonderfully British” as he helped marshal a lively group of sheep across Southwark Bridge.

The occasion was the Annual Sheep Drive organised by the Worshipful Company of Woolmen and the Insurers' group was the first to cross the bridge, carefully supervised by the shepherds and members of the Guild of Young Freemen in their striking scarlet cloaks. There was plenty of tweed on display among the WCI contingent and a shepherd's crook as everyone enetred into the spirit of the occasion.

After completing the tricky task of getting the sheep across the bridge, members and their families were able to wander around the stalls of the Livery Fair where many of the ancient Livery Companies were demonstrating the crafts they were founded around and which they still support and promote today.

The Annual Sheep Drive is open to anyone who is a Freeman/woman so look out for details of next year’s event if you want to take part.