The Worshipful Company of Carmen
Cart Marking
Legacy
Our Story
Cart Marking showcases a truly unique collection of transport dating from the horse and cart to the latest, cleanest, greenest, and safest in use today.
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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.
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Today we bring all that history back to life with a modern twist at our annual event, held each July.
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.
The vehicles make their way to Guildhall Yard where they are greeted by the Lord Mayor of London, the Masters of not one but two City of London Livery companies and the Keeper of Guildhall, all wearing their official robes and insignia.
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As each vehicle is presented for marking, a commentator tells us about its history and relevance today.
The Carmen
The Worshipful Company of Carmen is one of the 112 livery companies in the City of London and it dates back to 1517. Today it is one of the largest with over 600 members, who are committed to charitable generosity.
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The Carmen represent a wide range of aspects within the transport and logistics sector and continue to promote fellowship among those engaged in the industry and to those from a wider range of disciplines and professions.
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We generously support and promote achievement and the advancement of knowledge in the transport and logistics profession through awards, lectures and social activities.
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We are proud of our strong fellowship, charitable giving, support for the military forces and service to the City of London as well as the transport industry and the wider community. The Company and its charitable Trusts are based at Carmen’s Hall, in Fleet Street, in the City of London, near the Royal Courts of Justice, Inner Temple and the historic centre of national media.
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The Worshipful Company of Carmen supports and serves this dynamic profession through benevolence and historic fellowship as we continue to adapt and evolve to meet the challenges of today’s transport and logistics industry.