LONDON (AP) — Actor Damian Lewis drove a flock of sheep across the River Thames on Sunday in homage to a centuries-old tradition.
Lewis is among thousands of people granted the honorary title of Freeman of the City of London, which in medieval times came with the right to bring livestock across the river to market without paying tolls.
More than 1,000 freemen exercised that right on Sunday in the annual London Sheep Drive, many wearing black hats and red cloaks. Lewis wore his grandfather’s wool coat and carried a crook as he led the throng herding the animals over Southwark Bridge.
“It was fabulous,” said Lewis, star of “Band of Brothers,” “Homeland” and “Wolf Hall.”
Lewis was asked to represent the Worshipful Company of Woolmen, a trade guild dating back to the 12th century. He said he was pleased to be part of “this eccentric, very British day, honoring an old tradition.”
Manny Cohen, Master Woolman at the Worshipful Company of Woolmen, said the ancient sheep-driving tradition was revived about 15 years ago and has become a major charity fundraising event.
There are no plans to bring back other ancient freemen’s privileges such as the right to carry an unsheathed sword in public and to be escorted home if found drunk.
Damien Lewis drives sheep over Southwark Bridge, London, in the 11th London Sheep Drive, in London, Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024. (James Manning/PA via AP)
Damien Lewis drives sheep over Southwark Bridge, London, in the 11th London Sheep Drive, in London, Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024. (James Manning/PA via AP)
Damien Lewis drives sheep over Southwark Bridge, London, in the 11th London Sheep Drive, in London, Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024. (James Manning/PA via AP)
Damien Lewis drives sheep over Southwark Bridge, London, in the 11th London Sheep Drive, in London, Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024. (James Manning/PA via AP)
BRISTOL, England (AP) — England set Australia a total of 310 runs to win their deciding fifth match of the one-day international series on Sunday.
Ben Duckett hit 107 in 91 balls and captain Harry Brook contributed a 52-ball 72 with seven sixes in England's 309 all out in 49.2 overs after losing the toss and having to bat first at Bristol.
The series was tied 2-2 heading into the match after England routed the Australians in a 186-run loss in the fourth ODI at Lord’s on Friday.
England was on course for a huge total but Brook holing out to Adam Zampa after hitting him for five sixes sparked a collapse from 202-2 in the 25th over.
Duckett was one of four wickets to fall to Travis Head, the fifth spinner Australia used, on a wearing pitch. Head took 4-28 in 6.2 overs.
The forecast is for heavy rain later Sunday, which could lead to a second washout in 12 months at this ground. Australia need to bat 20 overs to decide who wins the series 3-2.
Australia is the world champion in the 50-over format, but has lost two in a row against England after seeing a 14-game winning streak snapped.
AP cricket: https://apnews.com/hub/cricket
Australia's Josh Inglis in action during the fifth one day international match between England and Australia, at the Seat Unique Stadium, Bristol, England, Sunday Sept. 29, 2024. (Adam Davy/PA via AP)
England's Phil Salt in action during the fifth one day international match between England and Australia, at the Seat Unique Stadium, Bristol, England, Sunday Sept. 29, 2024. (Adam Davy/PA via AP)
England's Phil Salt leaves the field after being dismissed by Australia's Aaron Hardie during the fifth one day international match between England and Australia, at the Seat Unique Stadium, Bristol, England, Sunday Sept. 29, 2024. (Adam Davy/PA via AP)
Australia's Aaron Hardie, left, celebrates taking the wicket of England's Will Jacks during the fifth one day international match between England and Australia, at the Seat Unique Stadium, Bristol, England, Sunday Sept. 29, 2024. (Adam Davy/PA via AP)
England's Harry Brook hits a four during the fifth one day international match between England and Australia, at the Seat Unique Stadium, Bristol, England, Sunday Sept. 29, 2024. (Adam Davy/PA via AP)
Australia look at a review of a wicket during the fifth one day international match at the Seat Unique Stadium, Bristol, England, Sunday Sept. 29, 2024. (Adam Davy/PA via AP)
Australia's Josh Inglis, right, celebrates taking the wicket of England's Liam Livingstone during the fifth one day international match between England and Australia, at the Seat Unique Stadium, Bristol, England, Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024. (Adam Davy/PA via AP)
England's Ben Duckett in action during the fifth one day international match between England and Australia, at the Seat Unique Stadium, Bristol, England, Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024. (Adam Davy/PA via AP)
England's Harry Brook in action during the fifth one day international match between England and Australia, at the Seat Unique Stadium, Bristol, England, Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024. (Adam Davy/PA via AP)
England's Ben Duckett in action during the fifth one day international match between England and Australia, at the Seat Unique Stadium, Bristol, England, Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024. (Adam Davy/PA via AP)
Australia's Josh Inglis celebrates stumping the wicket of England's Jacob Bethell during the fifth one day international match at the Seat Unique Stadium, Bristol, England, Sunday Sept. 29, 2024. (Adam Davy/PA via AP)
England's Harry Brook in action during the fifth one day international match between England and Australia, at the Seat Unique Stadium, Bristol, England, Sunday Sept. 29, 2024. (Adam Davy/PA via AP)
