As part of the 10th London Sheep Drive fundraising event, Corrigan, a restaurant business owner in the area, crossed Southwark Bridge on Sunday while being followed by nine sheep.

The three-time Great British Menu champion has the historical right to drive sheep over the River Thames without paying tolls, repeating the steps of London's early trade routes.

Andrew Parmley, a former lord mayor of London, and the city of London sheriffs joined Corrigan on his walk.

In the UK, there are 45,000 sheep farmers, and the sector's employment supports about £290 million in economic activity.

Corrigan claimed that being a part of the "lovely, beautiful, symbolic moment" gave him "a deep sense of pride."

Bringing those sheep over the bridge, he remarked, "is the culmination of a life's work in London, and every step was another memory."

When asked if he would do it again, Corrigan replied, "Maybe a bit faster!" He also complained that the sheep crossing the bridge "weren't very well behaved."

The Worshipful Company of Woolmen has raised tens of thousands of pounds for charity over the past 10 years, and thousands of Freemen and their guests have herded their flock as it was done in the past, according to Ann Dent, chairwoman of the Sheep Drive.

One of the oldest livery companies, the Worshipful Company of Woolmen, which organised the event, has roots that date back to 1180.