Actor Damian Lewis led a flock of sheep across the River Thames on Sunday as a nod to a centuries-old tradition.
Lewis is one of thousands granted the honorary title of Freeman of the City of London, which in medieval times allowed individuals to bring livestock across the river to market without paying tolls.
On Sunday, more than 1,000 freemen took part in the annual London Sheep Drive, many dressed in black hats and red cloaks. Lewis, donning his grandfather’s wool coat and carrying a shepherd’s crook, led the herd over Southwark Bridge.
“It was fantastic,” said Lewis, known for his roles in Band of Brothers, Homeland, and Wolf Hall.
The actor represented the Worshipful Company of Woolmen, a trade guild with roots in the 12th century. He expressed delight at being part of “this eccentric, very British day, celebrating an ancient tradition.”
Manny Cohen, the Master Woolman of the guild, noted that the sheep-driving tradition was revived around 15 years ago and has since become a significant charity event.
However, there are no plans to bring back other historic privileges of freemen, such as the right to carry an unsheathed sword in public or to be escorted home if found drunk. Photo by ralmonline alm, Wikimedia commons.
