A Centuries-Old Tradition Comes to Life in London

On Sunday 27 September, Head of Higher Education, Mr Hallett, took part in one of the City of London’s oldest traditions, joining the annual Woolmen’s Sheep Drive and Livery Fair on Southwark Bridge.

Mr Hallett has been a Freeman of the Worshipful Company of Educators for nearly three years and, in May this year, attended a ceremony at Guildhall where he was awarded the Freedom of the City of London. The tradition of the Livery Companies and the Freedom dates back to medieval times, when the Companies played an important role in governing the City.

While the Freedom carries fewer privileges today, one historic right remains particularly distinctive: Freemen may drive sheep into the City of London without paying tolls or fees. Each September, the Worshipful Company of Woolmen brings this tradition to life by organising the annual Sheep Drive, with Southwark Bridge closed to traffic for the occasion.

Dressed in his academic gown and hood, Mr Hallett exercised his historic right on Sunday, driving a small flock of sheep across the bridge. Reflecting on the experience, he said: “Being a teacher, I assumed driving eight or nine sheep from one side of a bridge to the other would be no more difficult than teaching, and I was correct!”

This year’s Sheep Drive was led by broadcaster Gloria Hunniford OBE, herself a Freeman of the City of London, with around 1,500 Freemen and guests taking part throughout the day.

Alongside the Sheep Drive, the Livery Fair celebrated the heritage and modern work of the City’s Livery Companies, with traditional crafts, wool producers, rare-breed sheep and sheep-shearing demonstrations among the attractions. The event also supported charitable causes, including The Woolmen Charity and the Lord Mayor’s Appeal.

Congratulations to Mr Hallett on taking part in this centuries-old tradition and exercising one of the more unusual privileges associated with the Freedom of the City of London!