Fear not, Hollywood actor Damian Lewis – known for his roles in Band of Brothers, Homeland, and Wolf Hall – is not giving up his acting career. On Sunday (29 September), he joined hundreds of others in herding sheep across the River Thames, but this was not an audition for a new role as a shepherd. Instead, the Golden Globe and Emmy Award-winning star was participating in an “eccentric” tradition: he holds the honorary title of Freeman of the City of London.
In medieval times, one of the privileges of this title was the right to bring livestock across the river to market without paying tolls. This weekend, hundreds of Freemen celebrated their ancient right to transport produce over the Thames, though they may have been disappointed that other medieval privileges, such as carrying an unsheathed sword in public or being escorted home if found drunk, are no longer applicable.
Lewis, who wore his grandfather’s wool coat and carried a crook as he led the sheep over Southwark Bridge, described the event as “fabulous.” He was representing the Worshipful Company of Woolmen, a trade guild dating back to the 12th century. Lewis expressed his delight in being part of “this eccentric, very British day, honoring an old tradition.”
According to Manny Cohen, Master Woolman at the Worshipful Company of Woolmen, the ancient sheep-driving tradition was revived around 15 years ago and has since become a significant charity fundraising event.
