London, UK. 25th September, 2016. Pearly Kings, Queens, Lord Mayors and Mayors dance around the MayPole at the Pearly Kings and Queens Harvest Festival at Guildhall Yard, London, England. Credit: one-image photography/Alamy Live News
The tradition of the Pearly Kings and Queens was started in the 19th century by Henry Croft, an orphan who worked as a street sweeper in the market of Somers Town, London. Inspired by the Costermongers, a close-knit group of market traders who looked after one another and were recognisable by buttons sewed onto their garments, Henry went out on the streets to collect money for charity, wearing a suit covered in pearl buttons to attract attention. When demand for his help became too much, Henry asked the Costermongers for assistance, many of whom became the first Pearly Families. Running through the family, the tradition continues to this day
Size: 4334px × 2889px
Location: Guildhall City of London England Great Britain
Photo credit: © one-image photography / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
Keywords: 2016, bright, button, buttons, charity, city, clothing, costermongers, east, family, festival, harvest, king, kings, london, market, parade, pearly, prince, princesses, queen, queens, silver, street, trader, traders, traditional
