The very first Pearly King is accepted to have been Henry Croft, an orphan and street sweeper. In the mid- to late 1870s Croft completely covered his suit in mother-of-pearl buttons, creating the first pearly ‘smother’ suit. He did this to draw attention to himself when collecting money for orphanages and hospitals and so the pearly mission to support charitable organisations was born.
But being a pearly is not just about wearing the costume, it is about a lifelong commitment to work tirelessly to raise money for charity. These days the Pearlies have divided into several organisations, however, all still have charity work at their heart.
PEARLY KINGS & QUEENS.
PEARLY KINGS & QUEENS.
Last edited by kiwi on Thu May 20, 2021 10:31 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Re: PEARLY KINGS & QUEENS.
Chatham Street c1958. The Lady Margaret's Church left. It seems that the 'Pearly King & Queen were attending the church for a harvest festival, hence the food offering.
Re: PEARLY KINGS & QUEENS.
St Mary Magdalene's Church no longer there.
Re: PEARLY KINGS & QUEENS.
Old Kent Road, St. Mary Magdalen Church 1951, seven-year-old Mavis Hughes, pearly princess of Acton, arrives for the Costers' Harvest Thanksgiving service.
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