On Sunday 29th September together with the Master, nine Liverymen exercised their rights as Freemen of the City of London to drive sheep across London Bridge (it was actually Southwark Bridge).
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.
With and early start and late finish the Worshipful Company of Bakers stall at the Sheep Drive Fair sold out and raised a fabulous £3,092 for the Bakers' Benevolent Fund and the Lord Mayor's Appeal.
Members of the Company were supported by students from the National Bakery School on both Saturday (preparing) and Sunday (selling our wares).
Whilst being an integral part of the day for supporters of the Sheep Drive, the Livery Fair also enables a number of the City of London liveries – ancient and modern, to showcase to the public what they do and the charitable work they support, with skilled tradespeople conducting interactive demonstrations of their fascinating and ever-evolving trades.
