More than 10,000 people turned out for the annual sheep drive and livery fair on Southwark Bridge in London, where the Worshipful Company of Woolmen re-enacted a tradition that goes back to medieval times.
Under ancient law, Freemen of the City of London had the right to bring sheep over the Thames to Smithfield meat market without paying a toll. The livery company revived the custom 13 years ago to promote sheep farming, celebrate wool and raise money for charity.
Around 60 sheep, mostly North of England Mules, were walked across the bridge in short groups through the day, with freemen helped by guests including the broadcasters Gloria Hunniford and Angela Rippon.
"People like to see sheep in the City of London, against the background of buildings like the Shard," said David Hopkins, Master of the Worshipful Company of Woolmen.
Sheep farmer David Seamark said many Londoners would never have seen livestock before, and he hoped the day would encourage more people to buy woollen clothes and use wool as insulation. His 18-month-old ewes had been prepared for the crowds at village fetes and arena displays over the summer and are expected to lamb next March.
Sharon Smith, who runs a wool business and had a stall at the fair, said the event makes people more aware of Welsh wool and helps pay for the sheep over winter.
Photo: Simon King / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Source: Farmers Weekly
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