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ShareFrom handcarts and horse-drawn carriages to steam-driven vehicles and London buses; see this parade of vehicles marked in this traditional ceremony
Once a year, Carmen bring their horse-drawn wagons and carriages, steamers, veteran and vintage lorries, buses and coaches, and modern trucks and tractor units, to be branded (or marked) with a red-hot iron on a wooden plate, with the year letter and the car number as a reminder of centuries of service to the City and to maintain their ancient tradition.
The event, which takes place in Guildhall Yard, sees each vehicle brought for the Master’s inspection, then 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 – a great free event to watch during your day in the City.
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Cart Marking ceremony, London © City of London
Cart Marking ceremony, London © City of London
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