Street
pearly king
What does pearly king mean?
One of London's Pearly Kings (and Queens), working-class charity fundraisers famed for suits sewn with mother-of-pearl buttons.
"The pearly kings and queens led the harvest festival parade."
Origin
Tradition begun in the 1870s–80s by road sweeper Henry Croft, drawing on costermonger 'pearly' dress.
Frequently asked questions
What is a 'pearly king'?
One of London's Pearly Kings (and Queens), working-class charity fundraisers known for suits covered in mother-of-pearl buttons.
Where does the pearly king tradition come from?
It was begun in the 1870s–80s by a road sweeper named Henry Croft, inspired by the button-decorated 'pearly' dress of costermongers.
What do pearly kings do?
They raise money for charity and appear at London events like harvest festivals and parades in their distinctive button-covered outfits.
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