Hollywood actor Damian Lewis recently participated in a unique and historic tradition by herding sheep across the River Thames. Joining over 1,000 Freemen of the City, Lewis took part in the event, which celebrates the medieval right to transport produce to market over the Thames without incurring tolls. Describing the experience as “fabulous,” the Golden Globe and Emmy Award-winning actor embraced the occasion while wearing his grandfather’s wool coat and wielding a crook.
The sheep herding took place over Southwark Bridge, and Lewis, a Freeman of the City himself, was invited by the Worshipful Company of Woolmen, one of London’s oldest livery companies, dating back to 1180. He noted, “It was fabulous; I’m down here on this eccentric, very British day, honoring an old tradition where Freemen of the City of London can drive their sheep… toll-free, free of charge, across the bridge—London Bridge as it was in the day—into the City of London in order to sell their produce.”
Manny Cohen, Master Woolman at the Worshipful Company of Woolmen, highlighted Lewis’s family history, noting that his great-grandfather, grandfather, and brother all served as Lord Mayors of London. Those in this position are elected annually and manage the governing body of the City of London Corporation. Cohen added that Lewis studied at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, reinforcing his strong connection to the City of London.
The tradition of driving sheep over London Bridge was revived around 15 years ago and is sometimes held on Southwark Bridge, depending on traffic considerations.
“We’ve just started with a few sheep and it’s sort of taken a life of its own now, and it’s a huge event – it’s the second largest outdoor event of the City of London, other than the Lord Mayor’s Show,” he added.
The fundraiser also has stalls and is expected to raise tens of thousands of pounds for the Woolmen Charity, which supports the wool trade, and the Lord Mayor’s Appeal, which works to improve “London’s most pressing societal issues”.
