25th September 2022 marked a special milestone for Kelly Group Chairman Tim Kelly. Having recently received the honour of Freedom of the City of London, Tim was able to participate in the age-old tradition, where Freeman of the City have the right to drive sheep over London Bridge, toll free!
Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the 2022 Sheep Drive, hosted by The Worshipful Company of Woolmen, was led by the RH Hon the Lord Mayor of the City of London, Vincent Keaveny and special guest – farmer, best-selling author and one of the UK’s most loved broadcasters, Kate Humble.
In its modern form, all proceeds from the annual Sheep Drive & Livery Fair supports The Woolmen Charity and The Lord Mayor’s Appeal.
Joining Tim on his memorable Sheep Drive was son, Tim Kelly Jr and brother, Neil Kelly, whilst family and close friends lined London Bridge to watch this prestigious event from a safe distance, avoiding any rouge sheep!!
To celebrate his special milestone, Tim was joined by family, close friends and colleagues for a celebration at The Rising Sun in the City of London.
The History of Sheep Drive and its Relevance Today
In medieval times, sheep farmers drove their sheep across London Bridge into the City of London to sell them at market. Freemen of the City were excused the bridge toll that had to be paid by other people crossing the bridge, in recognition of their status as local traders.
It is not clear when the last sheep were driven across London Bridge to market, but the widespread introduction of motorised vehicles in the early 20th century would have signalled the end of the practice, if it had not already ceased. The tradition of driving sheep across London Bridge has regained interest in recent years.
Today’s modern Sheep Drive, is a long-established charity event, celebrating a Freeman’s ancient right to bring sheep to market over the Thames, toll free.
The term ‘Freeman’ referred to someone who was not the property of a feudal lord but rather, by the Middle Ages, referred to people who had the right to trade and conduct business in the Square Mile.
The modern city of London was built from proceeds of the wool trade, regardless of the years gone by, wool is still one of the most sustainable and versatile fibres in the world and it is as relevant today to the economy as it has been during the Middle Ages. The Sheep Drive and Livery Fair demonstrate the enduring link and dependency between the city and nature which remains extremely important. The modern purpose of this ancient event is to promote industry and encourage conversations and interest in this environmentally friendly fibre, its products, and sheep farming.
