Sun, 24 Sept
|London
Southwark Bridge Sheepdrive and livery fair
A great family day out in support of two fantastic causes. All proceeds from the annual Sheep Drive & Livery Fair are in aid of The Woolmen Charity and The Lord Mayor’s Appeal.
Time & Location
24 Sept, 10:00 – 16:00
London, Southwark Bridge Rd, London EC4R 3TE, UK
About The Event
There are probably as many theories and legends about the right to drive sheep over London Bridge as there are livery companies. The original Guilds controlled standards of work and the suitability of tradesmen to be apprenticed to a master.
In medieval times, sheep farmers drove their sheep across London Bridge into the City of London to sell them at market. Freemen of the City were excused the bridge toll that had to be paid by other people crossing the bridge, in recognition of their status as local traders.
It is not clear when the last sheep were driven across London Bridge to market, but the widespread introduction of motorised vehicles in the early 20th century would have signalled the end of the practice, if it had not already ceased. The tradition of driving sheep across London Bridge has regained interest in recent years.