Master Jeffrey Lewis and members of the Company (Ray Conger, Derwin Mak and Adwet Sharma) were delighted to attend the London Sheep Drive & Livery Fair 2023 in London yesterday hosted by The Worshipful Company of Woolmen. They were honoured to meet Alderman Vincent Keaveny CBE, Master of the Woolmen’s Company who was also Lord Mayor of the City of London in 2021/22 having served as Sheriff of the City of London for the year 2018/19.
Many thanks to Alderman Vincent Keaveny CBE and team for all their hard work in making this such a spectacular event.
❓ What is the London Sheep Drive & Livery Fair?
The London Sheep Drive is a unique annual event that interweaves centuries of history whilst showcasing London's cultural heritage. Originating in the 12th century, this tradition was established to raise funds for the Lord Mayor's Charity (now Appeal) and later The Woolmen Charity, highlighting the pivotal role of London's wool trade in medieval times. What sets this spectacle apart today is the sight of sheep leisurely traversing one of the historic London bridges, guided by The Worshipful Company of Woolmen or the distinguished Lord Mayor of London himself, flanked by members of various Livery Companies and Guilds watched on by Londoners and tourists alike.
The Livery Fair is a family event providing visitors the opportunity to learn about the Sheep Drive, its history and the causes that the event supports. Many livery and specialist wool companies attend displaying their time-honoured craft and wares for all to see which this year included blade shearing displays.
This is an annual event not to be missed!