| Where: | London at the Guildhall Yard |
| When: | Saturday in Mid July |
| Time: | 10.30 am until 1pm approx. |
During the annual cart marking ceremony, around 50 vehicles, of all types from horse-drawn wagons to bicycles, steam engines and modern vans, line up to be branded with a hot iron showing that they are licensed to operate within the City of London. It’s one of the largest events in the city calendar, and visitors can just turn up on the day to enjoy the spectacle. In the old days it was easy for the brands to mark wooden vehicles – this is more of a challenge on metal frames and in the more modern conveyances a block of wood is specially attached to show the marks. Expect richly attired officials and an outstanding array of vehicles. Branding is carried out by the Worshipful Company of Carmen, and the custom is believed to be one of the earliest forms of vehicle registration in the world.
Helpful Hints
In 2024 it should be on Saturday 20th July .
In the past it was usually on a Wednesday but moved day from 2021 when it was postponed to Saturday 18th September- in 2022 it returned to July but remained on the new day of the week.
All are welcome and there is no charge for visitors.
Click here for the Carmen’s website: http://www.thecarmen.co.uk