ShareFrom handcarts and horse-drawn carriages to steam-driven vehicles and vintage London buses; see this parade of vehicles marked in the traditional Cart Marking Ceremony.
For over 500 years, every July, the Worshipful Company of Carmen bring their vintage vehicles (usually including horse-drawn wagons and carriages, steamers, veteran and vintage lorries, buses and coaches, and modern trucks and tractor units) to be branded with a red-hot iron by the Lord Mayor of London. Featured in the brand is the year letter and the car number as a reminder of the Carmen's centuries of service to the City.
The event (which takes place in Guildhall Yard in the City of London) sees each vehicle brought forward for the Master’s inspection, before being branded by the Keeper of Guildhall. The duties of the Keeper are shared with the Lord Mayor, and also the Master Carman.
Afterwards the Lord Mayor, Sheriff, Master Carman and Wardens doff their caps as each vehicle passes the rostrum, and then Carmen, partners and guests join in fellowship for lunch in the Great Hall.
Carmen’s Cart Marking Ceremony 2019 takes place at 10:10am on Wednesday 17 July, and is completely free to attend.
For more local tourist information:
- City of London Tourist Information Centre
- Email Address visit@cityoflondon.gov.uk
- Contact Details 020 7606 3030
- Twitter @visitlondon
Refine your search:
Cart Marking ceremony, London © City of London
Cart Marking ceremony, London © City of London
Cart Marking ceremony, London © Cart Marking ceremonyYou may be interested in...
Escape the clutches of Jack the Ripper at London Dungeon
You're lost in the streets of East London where Jack the Ripper is on the prowl. Will you make it out alive? Head to London Dungeon to find out.
Location: London Bridge, Greater London
Enjoy stunning public art at Sculpture in the City
Visit the eastern part of the City of London where exciting sculptures from some of the world’s leading artists can be found.
Location: London, Greater London
Fly a kite on Parliament Hill and admire the views of London
On a clear yet windy day, fly a kite on London's Hampstead Heath, then walk to the historic Spaniards Inn pub for a pie and a pint.
Location: London
Take tea in a crypt below Trafalgar Square in London
Take a stroll through London's Trafalgar Square, then stop off at St Martin-in-the-Fields Church for a spot afternoon tea in the crypt.
Location: London
VisitEngland would like to invite you to take part in a short survey about our website, it should take no more than a couple of minutes.