Just like the old days. Image: The Worshipful Company of Carmen
An historic ceremony harking back centuries takes place in the City, with the chance to see a slew of vintage vehicles roll into Guildhall Yard.
The Cart Marking ceremony — hosted on Saturday 18 July 2026 by the City of London and the Worshipful Company of Carmen — first began around 500 years ago, as a form of vehicle licensing.
One of the carts from 2021. Image: The Worshipful Company of Carmen
"Carters," says the Carmen, "were a rumbustious crowd. They plied for hire, and ignored authority." As carts increasingly clogged the streets, causing increasing chaos, the Fraternity of St Katherine, the Virgin and Martyr of Carters was formed in 1517, "to serve the King... cleanse, purge and keep clene the streets" and "move wares and merchaundyses". But with the Fraternity lacking authority, in 1529, the City decided it was time to impose licensing; carts to be marked 'with the sworde crowned'.
