‘A fun and slightly crazy thing’: 50 sheep make way across Southwark Bridge in annual tradition

This year’s charitable sheep drive continued to honour tradition and celebrate the right for Freemen of the City to bring sheep to market over the Thames.

50 sheep came all the way from Bedfordshire for the event on Sunday. They were shepherded across Southwark Bridge to Queen Street Place and Queen Street on the north side of the river for the Livery Fair.

Freeman Richard Corrigan, who shepherded the sheep over Southwark Bridge, said: “That was an amazing experience. I am humbled, no question about it. 

“London has always delivered a lot of new surprises, new experiences, but I honestly don’t think I am ever going to live this one down. 

“It brings it all together, sheep have represented the whole City of London for the last 1000 years or more. 

“It’s part of its wealth making, it’s part of its success, part of its taxation, it’s what made the City of London. 

“And for everyone to understand that, to see the sheep coming over the Bridge is really cool.”

The sheep were under the observation of their usual shepherd, a vet and the RSPCA. They all returned safely home to Bedfordshire after their day out.

The Livery Fair offers visitors the opportunity to learn all about the Sheep Drive and the causes it supports.

It also also allows a number of Livery Companies to demonstrate their ancient crafts and skills such as the Weavers and Loriners – who make the metal parts for horses bridles.

Stalls selling clothing, accessories, toys and gifts made from British Wool were also set up as well as some food stalls.

Organised by the Worshipful Company of Woolmen – which can be traced back to 1180 – the event raised tens of thousands of pounds for the Woolmen’s Charity and the Lord Mayor’s Appeal. 

Master Woolman Vincent Kearney and former Lord Mayor of London said: “It’s such a fun and slightly crazy thing to do, it’s a great day. 

“It’s such a great London tradition, it’s important we keep some of these traditions alive. 

“Freemen of the City of London have been driving sheep over the River Thames for hundreds and hundreds of years without paying a toll, so it was a really valuable right.”

Pictured top: From left, Master Woolman Vincent Kearney CBE with Chef Richard Corrigan and Sheriff of the City of London Andrew Marsden (Picture: This Media Larke, Rupert Frere)