Marking the carts

Here's one I hadn't heard of before - the ceremony of the cart marking. I happened upon it in The City today when I was up there for a guided tour of stained glass in city churches. That was great but this was a complete surprise. 

It turns out that every year since Charles II the City has charged a tax on all vehicles entering on commercial business. Every year they present themselves to have a stamp put on them to show the tax has been paid. 

So there was a parade of vintage commercial vehicles chugging through the Guildhall yard (see extras) and being presented to the Lord Mayor. Very eccentric and charming. Brilliant. I shall go again next year. Plus it was a lovely day.