News & Events NOTTINGHAM JEWELLER HERDS SHEEP OVER LONDON BRIDGE IN A STYLE OF HER OWN!

Nottingham’s award winning jeweller, Cathy Stephens spent last Sunday exercising her rights, as a Freeman of the City of London, to shepherd a flock of sheep over the capital’s oldest river crossing – the iconic London Bridge.

This happened at an annual event when Freeman of the City take it in turns to herd groups of 10 sheep back and forth over the bridge.  At the event around 600 of the City’s freemen, affiliated to one of the 110 City livery companies (ancient and modern trade associations and guilds), raised thousands of pounds for charitable causes through the Lord Mayor’s charity.

Cathy was made a Freeman of the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths and given the Freedom of the City of London in 1979 in recognition of her work in design.  This accolade allows her to drive her sheep over London Bridge and also means that she cannot be arrested for over ‘imbibing’ but rather can be driven home in a carriage to sleep it off.

Advice from the Worshipful Company of Woolmen was that the dress code for the event was smart casual.  Cathy, however, decided to be different adding some characterful flair by wearing a long black cloak and a tiara she had designed for her daughter.

Cathy said: “The tradition dates back to the 12th century when traders were allowed to enter the city with the tools of their trade without paying a toll. If you wanted to trade then you'd become a member and get your Freedom of the City. Driving sheep is only one of the rights given to Freeman. Others included the right to carry a sword in public, as you were of good character and you would help with law and order as well. It's now more of a symbolic right and it's an effective way to communicate the role the City of London used to have.  I love tradition, but as in my work I like to create something that is more unique and that is why I chose to herd my flock in a ‘distinctive’, but very personal way.”

Cathy has operated her Nottingham showroom from Flying Horse Walk since 1990 where she designs and recreates beautiful bespoke jewellery.