Cart Marking and lunch

Saturday 19th July 2025

Start: 10.30am | Finish: 3.30pm

This event has passed

Last day to book Thursday 3rd July. 

Join the Master for a privileged view of the annual Cart Marking event in Guildhall Yard, followed by lunch.

While the public can watch the event from designated areas, this year, Guild members and their guests benefit from restricted access to seating areas in the Yard and the facilities in the Guildhall corridor during the ceremony, followed by a reception and three- course formal lunch with wines in the historic Great Hall.
 
Cart Marking showcases a unique collection of transport dating from the horse and cart to the latest, cleanest, greenest, and safest in use today. The regulation of carts dates back over 750 years to the early days of the City, with the ceremony of Cart Marking evolving over time. Today brings all that history back to life with a modern twist.
 
You will see handcarts, horses and carts, horse-drawn carriages, steam engines, military vehicles and motorcycles together with historic, vintage and specialist vehicles including the latest, powered by electricity and hydrogen, on display.
 
As each vehicle is presented for marking, a commentator tells us about its history and relevance today. A ‘Cart’, in today’s terms, is a vehicle used to transport freight or passengers, for hire or reward. Marking is done by branding (or burning) a number, letter, or symbol on to a wooden block which is attached to the ‘cart’. This was the earliest form of vehicle licensing, and having paid for your licence, a mark would be burnt onto your wooden cart.

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