If you happen to find yourself standing near Southwark Bridge on a Sunday morning in late September, you'll be met with the sight of sheep being herded across it – by a very familiar face.
Once a common sight on London Bridge in medieval times, the historic practise was revived in 2013 in order to raise money for charities. Here's everything you need to know about the London Sheep Drive.
What is the London Sheep Drive?
The London Sheep Drive (known officially as the Woolmen Sheep Drive) is a revived London tradition where a herd of 50 sheep from the north of England are driven over Southwark Bridge by various Freemen of the City. It has become well-known for its celebrity sheepherders.
When does it take place?
It happens in September every year, usually on a Sunday late in the month. 2025's London Sheep Drive took place on Sunday 28 September.
What’s the history behind the event?
The London Sheep Drive is thought to date back to the medieval era, when sheep farmers drove their sheep across London Bridge to sell them at Smithfield Market. Although the bridge was tolled at the time, the farmers (also known as Freemen of the City) had the fee waived.
It isn’t known exactly when this tradition died out, but it was revived in 2013 by the Worshipful Company of Woolmen (one of the oldest livery companies of the City of London) as a charity event. However, London Bridge has been swapped for Southwark Bridge.
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Which celebrities have herded the sheep?
Countryfile TV presenter, columnist and farmer Adam Henson led the flock in 2025. Previous celebrities include Wolf Hall actors Damian Lewis and Mark Rylance, as well as Mary Berry, Alan Titchmarsh and the late Barbara Windsor.
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Speaking to the Worshipful Company of Woolmen in 2024, Damian Lewis 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.”
Can you watch the London Sheep Drive?
You can watch the London Sheep Drive take place, but you need to be a member of the Worshipful Company of Woolmen (or one of their guests) to take part in the sheep drive.
After the drive, there is a free Livery Fair (usually at Queen Street and Queen Street Fair) where you can learn more about the drive, browse market stalls and meet rare breed sheep.
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Top image: actor Damian Lewis, joined by Master Woolman Manny Cohen, former Lord Mayor of London Michael Mainelli and Sheriffs of the City of London, leads the London Sheep Drive on 29 September 2024. Credit: Wiktor Szymanowicz/Anadolu via Getty