In Pictures: Sheep Driving At London Bridge Festival

M@
By M@ Last edited 176 months ago
In Pictures: Sheep Driving At London Bridge Festival
No traffic on the bridge today, unless you're in a vintage vehicle.
No traffic on the bridge today, unless you're in a vintage vehicle.
A never-ending flotilla of river craft sail beneath the bridge. Must have been chaos further up-river.
A never-ending flotilla of river craft sail beneath the bridge. Must have been chaos further up-river.
As the rain lashes down, the pikemen move inside. Bunch of sissies. No, we didn't say that to their faces.
As the rain lashes down, the pikemen move inside. Bunch of sissies. No, we didn't say that to their faces.
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And they're off... The driving of sheep across London Bridge is a privilege only open to a freeman of the City. The lucky, lucky buggers. We can't conceive of anything we'd rather do.
And they're off... The driving of sheep across London Bridge is a privilege only open to a freeman of the City. The lucky, lucky buggers. We can't conceive of anything we'd rather do.
One man and his sheep. An unusual sight, but we're more intrigued by the sinister gentleman behind them.
One man and his sheep. An unusual sight, but we're more intrigued by the sinister gentleman behind them.
Two processions of Christian types make their way to the centre of the bridge - one from the City, one from Southwark. Up in the clouds, God looks on.
Two processions of Christian types make their way to the centre of the bridge - one from the City, one from Southwark. Up in the clouds, God looks on.
Senior clergy and an ill-placed lamp post gather round for a sermon. Holy words and hymns are offered as close as possible to the spot where a chapel once stood on Old London Bridge (which was actually a few metres further down-river).
Senior clergy and an ill-placed lamp post gather round for a sermon. Holy words and hymns are offered as close as possible to the spot where a chapel once stood on Old London Bridge (which was actually a few metres further down-river).
Hog roast at the Southwark side.
Hog roast at the Southwark side.
Rows of stalls can be seen on the eastern side of the bridge, with the domes of Cannon Street station and St Paul's in the background.
Rows of stalls can be seen on the eastern side of the bridge, with the domes of Cannon Street station and St Paul's in the background.

London Bridge was closed to traffic today, allowing all manner of unusual diversions to occupy its span. Vintage vehicles, hog roasts and costumed men with sheep battled against the elements to celebrate the 800th birthday of London Bridge. Click through the images for more details. Nearly 200 other events are planned during the London Bridge Festival, which runs till 25 July.

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Last Updated 11 July 2009