Cart marking is one of the oldest traditions in the City of London and is still upheld to this day in an annual parade of vintage carts. The cart owners apply for the honour of being officially “marked” in the Guildhall Yard.  It’s one of those events that always makes people stop and stare without having a clue as to what it’s all about.  Often mistaken for a film shoot for the latest summer blockbuster, the cart marking ceremony is as old and mysterious as the City itself.

The origins of cart marking in the City of London

A Carmen fellowship has existed in the City since before 1277 and still functions today under the Worshipful Company of Carmen.  In 1577, the fellowship became the Fraternyte of Seynt Katryne, the Virgin and Master of Carters and under its mandate, agreed to carry goods at reasonable rates. Control of the carts passed to Christ’s hospital, back to the City and back to Christ’s hospital in 1665. In this year, it was decided that each cart licensed to hire in the City should be marked with a City coat of arms and a number marked on a brass plate.  And hence cart marking was born.

The annual fee was set at five shillings with a steep penalty of twelve shillings and six pence enforced on those who evaded the marking. Incredibly, this legislation still remains in place today and the City Corporation is the only organisation that retains the right to mark carts.

What happens during the cart marking ceremony?

The ceremony has grown year-on-year and 2017 saw the largest number of entries in its 500-year anniversary event. Vintage vehicles wishing to take part in the cart marking ceremony are subject to a rigorous selection process where a panel comprised of a Chairman and Vice-Chairman (jointly responsible for cart selection) are joined by members of the City of London police, the City Highways department along with representatives of the Guildhall. The vehicles range from horse-drawn carts to pedal cycles, goods trailers, motorcycles, fork lift trucks and tractor units amongst others.

Extensive road closures are in place on this day as the carts make a slow procession into the Guildhall yard under the watchful eye of the stewards. Before being marked, the cart owners must part with the princely sum of five shillings in keeping with the original fee. The official “cart marking” takes place in front of the dais where the mark of the year is branded onto the board and affixed in a prominent location on the nearside of the vehicle. The Lord Mayor and the Master Carman jointly share the honour of marking the carts. After being marked, the carts exit the Guildhall Yard and complete a victory parade around the block as part of the official procession.

Once the last cart has been marked, the first cart re-enters the yard for a final encore from the visiting VIPs who raise their hats in official salute. After the ceremony, each of the carts receives an official photo as a memento of the day. From 1-00-2.00pm, members of the public are invited to wander round and take a closer look at these amazing vehicles – perfect for an impromptu visit during your lunch break.

Even if these vehicles are not starring in the latest James Bond film as many office workers suspect, its great to see that they all get their moment in the limelight against the impressive backdrop of the Guildhall Yard.

The cart marking ceremony takes place in mid July and is free to come and watch.