Hollywood actor Damian Lewis takes part in bizarre tradition as he herds sheep over the River Thames

Damian Lewis
-Credit: (Image: PA)


Homeland star Damian Lewis was spotted guiding sheep across the River Thames today as part of a quirky and bizarre tradition that spans centuries. Over a thousand City Freemen guided their sheep along an ancient trading path on Sunday, September 29, commemorating their medieval privilege to transport goods to market via the Thames without toll charges.

Damian, 53, donned his grandfather's wool coat and wielded a shepherd's crook as he directed the animals over Southwark Bridge, describing the event as an "eccentric, very British, day". The Golden Globe and Emmy Award-winning actor, who is also a Freeman of the City, was snapped keeping the flock in line ahead of other freemen sporting black hats and red and fur cloaks at the London Sheep Drive.

Damian Lewis
Damian helped drive the sheep across London's River Thames -Credit:PA
Damian Lewis
The Homeland actor took on the role to represent the Woolmen Company -Credit:PA

Speaking about his day, Damien said: "It was fabulous, I'm down here on this eccentric, very British day, honouring an old tradition where Freemen of the City of London can drive their sheep... toll free, free of charge, across the bridge London Bridge as it was in the day into the City of London in order to sell their produce.

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"I was asked to do it today representing the Woolmen Company, the Worshipful Company of Woolmen I believe, to give it its full title, and I just played shepherd, shepherd Lewis, and it was very fun. Thank you for asking (me), I enjoyed it, enormously."

The Worshipful Company of Woolmen is among the oldest livery companies in the city, with roots dating back to 1180. Damian, who was married to Peaky Blinders actress Helen McCrory until her sad death in April 2021, shared a touching piece of history, revealing that his coat was actually his grandfather's from the First World War.

Damian Lewis
It is a tradition that spans centuries -Credit:PA

The age-old practice of driving sheep across London Bridge was revived about 15 years ago, and depending on traffic arrangements, the event sometimes takes place on Southwark Bridge, explained Manny Cohen, Master Woolman at the Worshipful Company of Woolmen.

"We've just started with a few sheep and it's sort of taken a life of its own now, and it's a huge event it's the second largest outdoor event of the City of London, other than the Lord Mayor's Show", he elaborated.

The event, complete with stalls, is anticipated to rake in tens of thousands for the Woolmen Charity, backing the wool trade, and the Lord Mayor's Appeal, dedicated to tackling "London's most pressing societal issues".