A Sheepish experience.
London’s Southwark Bridge and surrounding streets took on a rather rural atmosphere on Sunday the 28th September. Rustic types vied with overdressed flamboyant city liverymen in all their finery, and all because of a herd of woolly sheep who were missing the green fields of England!
This was the tradition of driving sheep from the south bank across the Thames into the City. In 2013 the Worshipful Company of Woolmen revived this ancient privilege and arranged the first official Sheep Drive for Freemen of the City and their guests to ‘drive’ sheep across the bridge. The event has been so successful that it has continued ever since.
In medieval times, Freemen of the City were excused the bridge toll that had to be paid by other people crossing the bridge.
Today, the supporting Livery Fair enables the City of London liveries to showcase to the public what they do and the charitable work they support. The Worshipful Company of Turners stand was among the most popular displays and was Man’d by able company volunteers, it included a demo of the ancient craft of Pole Lathe Turning by my friend John Burbage, who was happy for me to see if I still had the knack!
I also obtained a press pass (don’t ask!), this enabled me to get some good images of the event’s guest of honour, BBCs ‘County File’ presenter Adam Henson driving some sheep across the bridge, and he was loving it.
The Woolmen Sheep Drive & Livery Fair showcases the important enduring contribution of London’s livery companies.
It was a great day. Freeman Stuart King
Just over £1,000 was made in sales of hand-turned goods for the Turners Charity. Big thanks to all our professional turners who have generously donated their work to support the charity which goes towards youth training, lathe donations, bursary awards and much more.
