London takes step baa-ck in time for Freemen’s annual Sheep Drive

If you were in London today, you might have come across a slightly strange sight.

As well as the usual buses, cars and taxis cross the Thames at London Bridge, hundreds of sheep made their way along the busy route as part of the annual London Sheep Drive.

Driving pro - former F1 driver Nigel Mansell joined the Sheep Drive (Picture: PA)

The event sees hundreds of Freemen of the City of London drive sheep across London Bridge, marking the historical perk that they were allowed to bring the ‘tools of their trade’ into the City, as well as raising thousands of pounds for charity.

Around 600 of the City’s freemen affiliated to one of the 110 City livery companies were joined by British former racing driver Nigel Mansell.

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The former F1 star, joined by grandson Jai Mansell, swapped his racing car for a flock of sheep to take part in the event.

Organised by the Worshipful Company of Woolmen, one of London’s oldest Livery companies, the annual Sheep Drive is a celebration of the capital as a centre for commerce and London Bridge as the original sole route into the city for trading.

(Top picture: SWNS)