On September 29, Damian Lewis, a British actor who has won the Golden Globe and Emmy Awards, led a flock of sheep across Southwark Bridge over the River Thames in London to commemorate a centuries-old tradition.
It is reported by the Associated Press that only thousands of people who have been granted the title “Freeman of the City of London” are eligible to participate in this annual sheep-driving event, and Lewis is one of them.
During the medieval times, those holding this title had the right to lead livestock across the Thames without having to pay a toll.
More than 1,000 “Freemen of the City of London” took part in this year’s event. Many of them wore black hats and red cloaks. Lewis wore his grandfather’s wool coat, carried a cane, and led the crowd driving the livestock across Southwark Bridge.
Regarding the event, Lewis, who was a prominent figure in the HBO television series “Band of Brothers,” said, “It’s fantastic.”
Representing a wool merchant guild dating back to the 12th century, Lewis was invited to participate in this event. He expressed his joy in being able to partake in “this quirky, very British festival, celebrating ancient traditions.”
According to Manny Cohen, a wool merchant from the guild, this old sheep-driving tradition was revived about fifteen years ago and has since become a significant charity fundraising event.
There are currently no plans to restore other ancient privileges of “Freemen of the City of London,” such as carrying unsheathed swords in public or being escorted home when intoxicated.
At 53 years old, Lewis has deep ties to the City of London, the historic financial district of London. Several of his ancestors, as well as his brother, have served as Lord Mayors of London, who are elected annually to lead the governing body of the area.