The days of driving livestock through the streets of London are centuries behind us. Well, except, for one day every September...
What are ewe bleating on about?
The London Sheep Drive! On Sunday 28 September 2025, 50 North of England Mule Sheep will be driven across Southwark Bridge by various Freemen of the City, plus a special celeb guest.
OK but why?
Tradition innit. Back when Smithfield was London's major livestock market, sheep farmers would drive their flocks across London Bridge. The bridge was tolled but Freemen of the City had the fee waived. As the former Master Woolman (and former Lord Mayor of London) Vincent Keaveny once said: "The Sheep Drive is living London history, preserving a link with our past but at the same time celebrating wool, a sustainable product that has so many innovative uses in today's world."
Is the Sheep Drive some ancient London tradition then?
Actually, the Sheep Drive itself has only been going just over a decade. In 2013, the Worshipful Company of Woolmen decided it'd be fun to exercise the ancient right of driving sheep across London Bridge, and raise some cash for charity while they were at it. London Bridge has now been switched out for Southwark Bridge, which closes to vehicles during the event.
Where do these sheep come from anyway?
They're top of the flocks — selected from a 600-strong contingent on a farm in Bedford. And just like the celebrity driving them, these sheep have had media training; in the weeks leading up to the big day, they appear at other events such as country shows, so they're comfortable with the London crowds.
Can I come-bye and watch the Sheep Drive?
Absolutely! Various Freemen will be driving sheep over both sides of Southwark Bridge between 10am and 4pm. At some point, the celeb will do their thing too (although at time of writing, we don't know who the celeb is or when they'll be there). You can just show up on the bridge anytime and watch — it's free.
Sadly, members of the public can't do any sheep driving themselves — its Freemen only. Best leave the crook/flat cap combo at home.
What do I do once I've seen the sheep driven?
There's a livery fair too, also hosted 10am-4pm, at the north end of the bridge, around Queen Street and Queen Street Place. Here, there's plenty to see and do, including stalls selling woollen clothes and accessories; sheep shearing demos; and representation from various City livery companies including the Worshipful Company of Weavers, Basketmakers and Bakers. In previous years there's also been refreshment from the likes of Cluck Farmyard and Purbeck Ice Cream. And you'll be able to get up close to rare breed sheep. Not baaaa-d.
Which celebrities have had the sheep herding honours?
Barbara Windsor, Alan Titchmarsh, Mark Rylance, Michael Portillo, Mary Berry and Richard Corrigan are among those who've had a crack at urban sheep herding. In 2024 it was star of Homeland, Wolf Hall and Billions, Damian Lewis!
Who's the celebrity in 2025? Why it's farmer, author and Countryfile presenter, Adam Henson — you could hardly get more fitting than that!
By the way, what's the secret to successfully driving a flock of sheep over a bridge?
We're reliably informed it's calm sheep. Makes sense.
Sheep Drive & Livery Fair 2025, Southwark Bridge, 10am-4pm, free. We're told the 'Book Now' button on the website is only for those taking part in the sheep driving — members of the public can just show up.
All images © @ThisMediaLarke
