Folklore: Pearly Kings and Queens

Subject: Any info on Pearly Kings/Queens? Thanks.
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 12 Jun 01 - 11:27 PM

Well it seems I'm just a "thread startin' machine" today, but I actually asked this question in another thread.clickMatey I think it probably got buried a bit, and I guess I really need to hear from some British folks to get the scoop. I'm just curious "how when and where" the tradition started, and whether the cops have always allowed these folks to entertain outdoors. Are they still around?

We had a couple in Toronto but they seemed more of a parody of the original thing and were simply good professional entertainers who often appeared on TV. I don't think they were part of a "tradition" but I might be wrong. Any info appreciated. Thanks

Rick

Subject: RE: Any info on Pearly Kings/Queens? Thanks.
From: Matt_R
Date: 12 Jun 01 - 11:32 PM

The Pearly King of the Isle of Dogs
Feels up children in the bogs...

from "Mile End" by Pulp.

What IS a Pearly King?

Subject: RE: Any info on Pearly Kings/Queens? Thanks.
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 12 Jun 01 - 11:37 PM

Jeesus Matt!! I hope some of the Brit catters can give us some OTHER personality traits as well!

Rick

Subject: RE: Any info on Pearly Kings/Queens? Thanks.
From: Malcolm Douglas
Date: 12 Jun 01 - 11:39 PM

The Original Pearly Kings and Queens Association

Subject: RE: Any info on Pearly Kings/Queens? Thanks.
From: Rt Revd Sir jOhn from Hull
Date: 12 Jun 01 - 11:45 PM

Rick-The london tradition of pearly kings and queens began in 1875 by a young lad named Henry Croft,he wanted a way to raise money for disabled children (at that time there was no welfare system),he knew that if he went to carnivals etc he needed a way to draw attention to himself,so decided to cover his suit inhundreds of "pearly " buttons,his plan was a sucsess in that he raised the equivalent of 200,000 pounds.The tradition is still carried on today with an annual Pearly Parade,sorry i dont know when it is.john

Subject: RE: Any info on Pearly Kings/Queens? Thanks.
From: Sorcha
Date: 12 Jun 01 - 11:56 PM

Interesting. I'd never heard of this before.

Subject: RE: Any info on Pearly Kings/Queens? Thanks.
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 13 Jun 01 - 12:06 AM

Holy cow! Thanks folks.

I've just read all about "Pearly Kings" AND a history of the infamous Kray Brothers to boot! Great site Malcolm.

Rick