Hollywood actor Damian Lewis will lead London Sheep Drive 2024 

The London Sheep Drive, held on Sunday 29th September, will see more than 1,000 Freemen of the City take up their historic entitlement to drive their sheep over the River Thames along an ancient trading route.  

It is the second largest event in the City, after the Lord Mayor’s Parade. The annual event raises tens of thousands of pounds for The Woolmen’s Charity and the Lord Mayor’s Appeal.  

The Worshipful Company of Woolmen is one of the oldest livery companies in the City and dates back to 1180. 

Career highlight 

Alongside the Sheep Drive there will be a livery fair, where visitors can watch as livery companies demonstrate their traditional skills and crafts and businesses showcase their clothing, home accessories and gifts, all made from wool. 

Previous winners of the Wool Innovation Award, such as Wool Pots, will also be in attendance.  

Visitors will also enjoy sheep shearing demonstrations, meet rare breeds from Spitalfields City Farm, and enjoy delicious lamb-based food stalls. 

Damian Lewis, Freeman of the City, said: “As a proud London Welshman, playing the drover and driving my sheep, as if from Llandeilo, across The Thames, will be a career highlight. Can’t wait”. 

Significant event 

Manny Cohen, master woolman of Worshipful Company of Woolmen, said: “I am really pleased to welcome Damian Lewis and the Lord Mayor to our annual Sheep Drive across the Thames during my year as master woolman. 

“The event, which has been running for over a decade, has raised lots of money for charity, as well as donating funds to the Lord Mayor’s Appeal.  

“This year we look forward to welcoming everyone onto Southwark Bridge and to the Livery Fair, to learn more about the Woolmen and other Livery Companies and support the future of the wool trade, wool being the most sustainable of clothing materials. We’re looking forward to a great day.“ 

Michael Mainelli, Lord Mayor of London, added that the event is “significant”  in the City of London calendar and allows the public to learn more about the City Liveries and the wool trade.  

“Wool played an important role in the history of the UK and the City and continues to connect us with our international partners around the world.  

“Besides that, the day is also a lot of fun for all those taking part and coming down to watch. I look forward to seeing many Londoners and visitors on the Bridge on 29th September,” he concluded. 

Farmers David and Barbara Seamark bring their sheep, which are North of England mules, from their farm in Bedfordshire to London for the Sheep Drive.  

Just ten animals at a time are driven across each side of the bridge, by successive groups of Freemen.  

The animals have all attended major agricultural events throughout the summer to acclimate them to large crowds, and they will be under the constant care of their usual shepherd and veterinary surgeon at all times and will be closely observed by representatives of the RSPCA during the day. 

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