Damian Lewis Herds Sheep Across a London Bridge in Tribute to a Medieval Tradition

Photo Credit (Pixels)

Actor Damian Lewis led a flock of sheep across the River Thames on Sunday, paying homage to a centuries-old custom.

Lewis is among the many individuals granted the honorary title of Freeman of the City of London, which historically allowed the right to drive livestock across the river to market without incurring tolls.

In the annual London Sheep Drive, over 1,000 freemen donned black hats and red cloaks to exercise this right. Lewis sported his grandfather’s wool coat and wielded a crook as he guided the sheep over Southwark Bridge.

“It was fabulous,” said Lewis, known for his roles in “Band of Brothers,” “Homeland,” and “Wolf Hall.”

Invited to represent the Worshipful Company of Woolmen, a trade guild with roots dating back to the 12th century, Lewis expressed his delight in participating in “this eccentric, very British day, honoring an old tradition.”

Manny Cohen, Master Woolman at the Worshipful Company of Woolmen, shared that the ancient practice of sheep-driving was revived about 15 years ago and has since evolved into a significant charity fundraising event.

There are currently no plans to reinstate other historical freemen’s privileges, such as carrying an unsheathed sword in public or being escorted home when found intoxicated.