Hollywood actor Damian Lewis participated in a centuries-old, “eccentric” tradition by herding sheep across the River Thames.
The event, held on Sunday, saw Lewis join over 1,000 Freemen of the City, who led their sheep along a historic trading route as part of the London Sheep Drive.
The Golden Globe and Emmy Award-winning actor, who holds the title of Freeman of the City, called the experience “fabulous.”
The tradition, which dates back to medieval times, celebrates the right of Freemen to transport their goods, including sheep, over the Thames toll-free. The modern revival of this custom began in 2013 to honor that historical privilege.
Wearing his grandfather’s wool coat and carrying a shepherd’s crook, the 53-year-old actor herded sheep across Southwark Bridge.
He explained that he had been invited to the event by the Worshipful Company of Woolmen, one of the city’s oldest livery companies, which dates back to 1180.
During the Sheep Drive, Lewis was photographed keeping the animals in line, surrounded by other Freemen dressed in traditional black hats and fur-trimmed red cloaks.
Speaking to the press, Lewis said, “It was fabulous, I’m down here on this eccentric, very British day, honoring an old tradition where Freemen of the City of London can drive their sheep toll-free, across the bridge—London Bridge as it was back in the day—into the City of London to sell their produce.”
Master Woolman Manny Cohen, from the Worshipful Company of Woolmen, highlighted Lewis’ deep family connections to the City of London.
Lewis’ great-grandfather, grandfather, and brother all served as Lord Mayors of London, a position elected annually to oversee the City of London Corporation’s governing body.
Cohen noted that Lewis also has a personal connection to the city, having studied at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama.
The annual sheep drive, reestablished about 15 years ago, is typically held on either London Bridge or Southwark Bridge, depending on traffic.
It has since grown into a significant event, becoming the second largest outdoor gathering in the City of London after the Lord Mayor’s Show.
The event not only celebrates British heritage but also serves as a fundraiser, with proceeds going to the Woolmen Charity, which supports the wool industry, and the Lord Mayor’s Appeal, aimed at addressing some of London’s most pressing social issues.
In addition to the sheep herding, the fundraiser features various stalls and is expected to raise tens of thousands of pounds to benefit these charitable causes.
The drive also serves as a way of recognizing the importance of the 45,000 sheep farmers in the UK.
