Ancient Rites: annual Sheep Drive and Livery Fair
If you were passing Southwark Bridge at the end of September, you may have been surprised to see a flock of sheep being herded across it by people dressed in fancy robes or fancy dress.
But this slightly bizarre spectacle is part of the annual Sheep Drive and Livery Fair organised by the Worshipful Company of Woolmen, keeping alive the ancient rites of Freemen of the City of London, allowing them to walk sheep into the city without paying tax.
Today the event is used as a fundraiser for charities supported by the dozens of Worshipful Companies (Livery Companies) in the city, of which we are one. We attended the Livery Fair, a market celebrating all things wool and promoting the work done by the Livery Companies, taking with us 7 of our sheep.
The Castlemilk Moorit sheep were the perfect ambassador for rare breeds and the important work that City Farms do to promote these important breeds. We also took along Beatrix, our one eared Herdwick, as the issue of dog attacks on livestock continues to be an increasing problem. Visitors to our stall were amazed to hear her story and it was encouraging to see how many of them really connected with her and will hope spread the message about dog attacks with their friends and families. We were also joined by Sally Holditch, our lovely weaver, who gave demonstrations to the public on our table top loom.
A highlight of the event is the amount of new connections we make with wool producers and crafters, as well as catching up with familiar faces from precious events. We were delighted to meet Justine and Tom from Ossian Knitwear, and our little lamb Rolo posed next to a gorgeous cardigan designed by Justine and made from Castlemilk Moorit wool! Beatrix also got her 5 mins of fame as we walked her down to visit our friends Gio and Spencer at the Herdy stall.
The whole team had a great day and we hope to be invited back next year too. Our attendance was kindly sponsored by the Worshipful Company of Grocers.
Come and see us when you are next in the area and spend some time chilling Beatrix and Rolo.
- Emma Pooley, Farmyard assistant