The Woolmen

Delighted to share this video from Sunday's London Sheep Drive and Livery Fair. Watch as Damian Lewis takes up his ancient right to take his flock over the River Thames toll-free. The Hollywood actor, best known for his roles in Band of Brothers, Homeland and Billions, wore his grandfather's wool coat as he led the charge in front of the Master Woolman, Lord Mayor, Sheriffs and his girlfriend Alison Mosshart. The Livery Fair saw stallholders come together to display ancient crafts and traditions, sell unique and hand crafted wool goods and watch sheep shearing demonstrations. Thousands of people joined us to enjoy the day and learn more about wool. https://lnkd.in/eZv3cruY 🎦 This Media Larke #londonsheepdrive #cityoflondon #woolmen #woolmonth

We will remember them.

✨ A Wonderful Evening at the Woolmen's Civic Dinner ✨ Last night at Goldsmith's Hall, we were honoured by the presence of the Lord Mayor of London (Michael Mainelli) as we celebrated our heritage and the future of the wool industry. We welcomed seven new liverymen to our ranks and recognised outstanding students for their achievements and promise in their field. Thank you to everyone who made this evening memorable—together, we continue to honour tradition and support innovation in wool. The Goldsmiths' Company, Emmanuel Cohen 📸 Warren Page PAGEPIX LTD #LiveryDinner #Woolmen #GoldsmithsHall #London #Craftsmanship #Tradition

A wonderful candle-lit evening!

This past Sunday, about 1000 Freemen of the City of London, including around 20 Worshipful Company of International Bankers liverymen and women, gathered near Southwark Bridge to take part in the age-old tradition of driving sheep across the Thames along one of the City’s ancient trading routes. This event symbolizes their historical right to bring goods to City markets toll-free—or, in this case, the right to drive sheep across the river. The day was a joyful blend of tradition and fellowship. The re-enactment, which dates back to the Middle Ages, was complemented by a lively fair. Various City Livery Companies, led by the Worshipful Company of Woolmen, showcased their ancient crafts and sold their goods. Members of the Guild of Young Freemen were also on hand to assist and coordinate the event. A shearer impressed the crowd with live demonstrations, managing to shear a sheep in just six minutes! Among our fellow Liverymen and women were Vivienne Artz OBE FCSI (Hon) CMgr CCMI AIGP, Seamus and Niall O Connor (looking identical, even down to their beards!), Eunice Zhu, CFA, Julie Sefton Dip AML (MICA),Leslie Stephenson, and Antonello Russo, all accompanied by friends and family. Our Middle Warden, Tim Skeet, looked particularly sharp in his Harry’s Tweed jacket and flat cap. Beyond celebrating tradition, the event also highlights the contributions of the Livery Companies to London and the nation, while paying tribute to the UK’s sheep farmers and wool industry. It was wonderful to see the WCIB so well represented at this fabulous event, where London’s history and traditions came to life, reminding us of the important role Livery Companies continue to play in fostering fellowship, charity, and professionalism.

Message from Master Young Freemen Grace A.: "I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to all the volunteers and to the Worshipful Company of Woolmen for making the London Sheep Drive such a remarkable event. I am also incredibly proud of how the Young Freemen tirelessly worked throughout the day, showcasing dedication and commitment. Your collective efforts made this historic occasion truly special, and together we have helped raise funds for deserving charities. It was an honour to be part of this fantastic event, and I look forward to continuing this important tradition." On Sunday 29th September 2024, the Young Freemen, donned in their red robes, returned to Southwark Bridge to volunteer as marshals for the Annual Sheep Drive, a key highlight in the City of London diary. This year, over one thousand Freemen of the City of London Corporation drove sheep across the bridge, raising fund for The Lord Mayor's Appeal and the The Woolmen's Charitable Trust. #SheepDrive #YoungFreemen #FreedomOfTheCity #CityOfLondon #SouthwarkBridge #London #WorshipfulCompanyOfWoolmen #LordMayorsAppeal #CharityEvent

What a success. The 2024 London Sheep Drive and Livery Fair saw Hollywood actor and Freeman of the City, Damian Lewis take up his ancient right to drive his flock over the River Thames toll free on Sunday. Damian, carrying his shepherd's crook and at times accompanied by a sheep dog, said "I'm no shepherd, I know that, but it was really good fun". Best known for his roles in Band of Brothers, Homeland and A Spy Among Friends, he was wearing a wool coat which had belonged to his grandfather during WW1 for the occasion. The sheep driving tradition dates back to the 12th Century and saw more than 1000 Freeman and their guests take part. The Livery Fair was crowded all day with visitors learning about innovations in wool; watching demonstrations of sheep shearing as well as ancient crafts and trades from other Livery Companies. Damian said "The fact these traditions still exist today, it's quite eccentric, to close down a bridge in one of the largest, most prominent cities on the planet, just so people can drive their sheep across the river. It was really fun. I’ve learnt a lot about wool today, and it makes an event like this worthwhile". Photos: This Media Larke

The Sheep Drive is this Sunday (29th September). Here's a flavour of what you can expect. Who's coming? Learn more about this year's drive: https://sheepdrive.london/

An early visit to Canary Wharf to wave off 95 black cabs from the Worshipful Company of Hackney Carriage Drivers who are taking terminally-ill children to Disneyland Paris for the weekend. The #WCIB is delighted to be one of the supporters of this wonderful event, organised each year by the Hackney Carriage Drivers. #wchcd #citylivery #Disneyland