A historic ceremony harking back centuries takes place in the City, with the chance to see a slew of vintage vehicles roll into Guildhall Yard.
The Cart Marking ceremony — hosted on Saturday 19 July 2025 by the City of London and the Worshipful Company of Carmen — first began around 500 years ago, as a form of vehicle licensing. After the owner had paid for a licence, a mark would be burnt onto their wooden cart, signalling it was officially certified.
Even today, all vehicles passing through Guildhall Arch still pay 'five shillings' (25p) to the City of London, in honour of the tradition. A red hot iron brand is used as part of the ceremony, although it's pressed onto a block of wood attached to the vehicle, rather than the chassis itself.
Vehicles are no longer limited to wooden carts of course; expect to see horse-drawn carriages, steam engines, fire engines, vans, ambulances, bicycles, removal vans, royal cars, electric cars. It is essentially a timeline on wheels — a wheely eclectic mix.
Over 50 vehicles will feature in 2025's festivities; in turn they'll be greeted by the City's top brass, including the Lord Mayor of London, masters from two different City of London Livery companies, and the Keeper of Guildhall Yard — all dressed in traditional robes.
As each vehicle is marked with the iron brand, a commentator provides a brief history.
Here's a video of the ceremony from 2022:
Cart Marking Ceremony, Guildhall, City of London, Saturday 19 July 2025, 10am-3pm, free entry
