London’s baa-places tradition is set to return to London later this month when a flock of sheep will be herded across a bridge in the middle of the city. Yes, you read that right. A flock of sheep will be making their way through London this September. And yes, it is in fact yet another of England’s charming wacky unique traditions.
Later this month, on September 29, The Worshipful Company of Woolmen will drive a flock of sheep (as in, shepherd them, not bundle them into a van) across Southwark Bridge. The event as it looks today dates back to 2013. However, the historical roots date all the way back to the 1100s, when an “ancient ‘right’ (afforded to Freeman’s) to bring sheep to market over the Thames, toll free”. A member of the Company decided to see if the rule still held up – it did – and thus began the now annual event, which raises money for The Woolmen Charity and The Lord Mayor’s Appeal.
Driving a flock of sheep through London
Throughout the day, from 11am-5pm, they’ll shepherd a flock of sheep back and forth over the bridge. Each year, a celebrity joins the procession to lead the charge, with previous guests including the likes of Alan Titchmarsh, Michael Portillo, Mary Berry, Mark Rylance, and more. And this year’s guest is none other than acting royalty, musician, and producer, Damian Lewis.
Said Lewis: “As a proud London Welshman, playing the drover and driving my sheep, as if from Llandeilo, across The Thames, will be a career highlight. Can’t wait”
And for those of you concerned about the welfare of the sheep, fret not! To provide a safe sheep-driving environment, a portion of Southwark Bridge will be closed to traffic and pedestrians. The sheep have also been introduced to progressively larger groups of people at events around the country, to ensure they’re comfortable with the likely large number of observers in London. Additionally, the sheep will receive plenty of rest between runs across the bridge.
Livery Fair
Alongside the Sheep Drive is the Livery Fair. While the Sheep Drive requires booking to get up close to the shee-driving action (and it’s all booked out!), the Livery Fair is free and open to all. Just around the corner from Southwark Bridge, the fair allows visitors to learn about the history of the Sheep Drive as well as the causes it supports. It also provides an avenue for “livery and specialist wool companies (to) celebrate their trades with interactive displays and sales of their wares. Other fun activities include expert blade shearing displays and some wonderful rare breed sheep!”
The London Sheep Drive will take place on Sunday, September 29 on Southwark Bridge. The Livery Fair, will run from 10am-4pm on the day, near Southwark Bridge on Queen Street and Queen Street Place.
Read all about the London Sheep Drive and Livery Fair of 2024 here.
