Historic cart marking ceremony in Guildhall Yard

Name: Cart marking
Start: 2024-07-20
End: 2024-07-20
Location: Guildhall

Where? Guildhall, Gresham Street, The City When? 20th July 2024 10.15 AM to 12.30 PM (approx) Price? Free to watch · See thecarmen.co.uk Parking: Nearby car parks Buses: 8, 11, 21, 23, 25, 26, 43, 76, 100, 133, 141, 242, 388 Bus fares Trains: The closest station is Bank Central DLR Northern Wat&City Other nearby stations: Cannon Street, Mansion House, Moorgate and St. Paul’s Train fares

The historic cart marking ceremony in Guildhall Yard is an age old-tradition dating back over 500 years. It's the second biggest event in the City of London after the Lord Mayor's Show.

It's all organised by the Worshipful Company of Carmen, whose ancient 'trade' was transporting goods and foodstuff on carts.

See up to fifty vehicles, both old and new

Up to fifty vehicles will enter the courtyard to be branded with a red-hot iron - the ancient origin of vehicle licensing. In the old days the carts were then licenced to ply for trade within the city limits for the following year.

The vehicles can be anything from simple handcarts, decorated horses and carts, and old steam-driven machines, to the more modern solar-powered and hydrogen-powered vehicles.

Vehicle during the cart marking ceremony

A commentator will be on hand to share some of the vehicle's history as they get presented to the Sheriffs, Wardens, Master Carman and Master Glover - all dressed up in their ceremonial robes with gloves provided by the Worshipful Company of Glovers.

It usually takes around two hours for all fifty vehicles to pass though the yard.