SHEAR DELIGHT ON SOUTHWARK BRIDGE

30/09/2025

 

Yesterday Quattro MD John Murphy swapped trucks for sheep and took a stroll across Southwark Bridge with some four-legged friends!

As a Freeman of the City of London for the past 12 years, John has the unusual privilege of driving livestock over the bridges. This centuries-old tradition dates back to medieval times and is a brilliant way to celebrate the City’s history.  The Freedom comes with more than just sheep rights. Some of the quirkier historic perks include:

  • Carrying a sword in the City.
  • Being taken home (rather than arrested) if found drunk and disorderly.
  • Driving geese down Cheapside.
  • Toasting the King at official functions.
  • And, if it all goes terribly wrong… the “right” to be hanged with a silken rope!

These days it’s all about heritage, tradition, and a bit of fun in the heart of London. Or as the Freeman of Carlow himself put it:

"Not a baaad perk at all… a shear delight, ewe couldn’t make it up!"

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