It was with great pleasure I was asked to unveil the plaque for our founder Henry Croft. When I was born I lived in the same road (Phoenix Road) as Henry where I unveiled the plaque.
I was asked to attend a staff fun day at the St Pancras Renaissance Hotel, wonderful to meet the people which keep this beautiful iconic place running. Pie and mash went down a treat and we had a great singalong, thank you for a lovely day.
The above picture is of my Husbands Grandfather and Nan getting married at the St Pancras Renaissance Hotel in 1923 when it was called The London Midland Hotel
When I arrived on Waterloo Bridge over the Easter Weekend to provide support to the
important Extinction Rebellion cause I had an immediate sense of deja vu. It took me a few
moments to make the connection. Then I realised I was being transported back to my times
as a ‘saucepan lid’ (kid) on the London street markets. The vibrancy, spontaneity and
community values were all there just like I remember (and I remember Dad talking about
reflecting on his childhood memories).
Just like the old street markets there was also some disruption caused to traffic, and rightly
so given our responsibility to the next generation in getting a momentum going to change
our course at this crucial time in history. Whilst on the bridge I had some great banter with
young and old, including the lovely Coppers. When I was interviewed for a film crew I took
the opportunity to refer to some immortal words of Winston Churchill (from a 1936 speech
in Parliament) which seem to fit with where we are with the current biodiversity and climate
crises -
“The era of procrastination, of half-measures, of soothing and baffling expedients, of delays
is coming to its close. In its place we are entering a period of consequences.”
I was also given the mic on the bridge for a short while. I had enough time to explain to the
crowd how the traditional Costermongers’ values matched theirs. However sadly I wasn’t
allowed enough time to lead a chorus of some traditional old time songs.
We were invited to meet the consultant and all the staff involved with the running of the wonderful air ambulance service based at The Royal London Hospital. It was an honour and a pleasure meeting the crew from the girls in the charity shop and the boys who pilot the air ambulance. Thank you so much once again for inviting and showing us around. Celebrating 30 years of saving thousands of lives (Pearl Anniversary) it was a truly humbling experience and showcased what is wonderful in our World.
We look forward to helping raise more fun and funds in the future.
Recently we did an article for an in flight magazine called Wizz Air a smaller Airline company who have a section called Tribes which showcase local groups of interest from varied cultures.
It is always a pleasure for us to be part of keeping our History and tradition alive and reaching a Global audience.
is all about charity and community”
Meet the Pearly Kings and Queens of King’s Cross and St Pancras: the shining icons of a unique London tradition
Tribes London
One might feel uneasy in the presence of royalty, but when the Queen is serving you cheese sandwiches and endless cups of tea, it’s hard to feel intimidated. Ok, it’s not Her Majesty the Queen – not the one on the banknotes – but a queen nonetheless. Our generous host is Diane Gould, also known as the Pearly Queen of St Pancras. But what exactly is a Pearly Queen (or King)? Pearlies, dressed in elaborate costumes covered in hundreds of hand-sewn pearl buttons, are an iconic image of old workingclass London. But the Pearly tradition is about much more than fancy dress. “It’s all about charity and community,” explains Diane. “It dates back to the 11th century when street traders – known as costermongers – would elect a coster king and queen, paying them money each week to create a fund to help anyone in their area who fell on hard times.” By the 19th century coster men had taken to wearing rows of mother-of-pearl buttons – which shared the shine, but none of the expense, of real pearls – on their trousers, while women would mimic the gentry with elaborate feathered hats. Their evolution into the dazzling Pearly costumes
you see today is all down to a boy who admired the costers’ attitude and style: Henry Croft. “Croft was born in the St Pancras workhouse [an institution where the poor received board and lodging in return for work] in 1861,” says Diane. “At 13 he became a street sweeper in the area. He loved the costers’ approach to helping one another, so, having learned to sew in the workhouse, he made himself a smother suit – an outfit covered from head-to-toe in pearl buttons. Then he’d go to charity events and raise money for the cause.” The costers loved Henry’s idea, and in turn copied him, using their increasingly elaborate dress to raise money for the poor despite not being wealthy themselves. The Pearly Kings and Queens were born, becoming trustworthy symbols of charity and community. At one time there was a different Pearly family in 28 of London’s 32 boroughs. Today, many of the original Pearly families live outside London, but their hearts are still very much in the city – Diane’s home is filled with London memorabilia and images of her dad Alf Dole’s famous pearly black cab. And you can still see Pearlies in London, attending charity events, in schools teaching children about the city’s
THE PEARLIES OF KING’S Cross and St Pancras (right) represent a unique part of London’s social history
history, or at their annual Harvest Festival or New Year’s Day parade. But wherever and whenever you find a Pearly King, Queen, Prince or Princess, they’ll be raising funds and awareness. They’ll also be using Cockney rhyming slang – another famous London tradition where rhyming phrases replace the usual words. For example, as Diane explains her pearly outfit she points out her tit for tat (hat), barefoot blues (shoes) and almond rock (sock). Pearly culture is still a family affair. Diane’s royal entourage includes “my husband, Alistair, who’s the Pearly King of St Pancras, and my son Simon Dole, who is Pearly King of King’s Cross. Sheri Mears is Pearly Queen of King’s Cross, and her children, Cain and Trinity, are Pearly Prince and Princess of King’s Cross.” Like real royal families, many Pearlies are born into the tradition. Diane’s great grandfather, George Dole, was one of the three original Pearly Kings, alongside Bert Matthews, Pearly King of Hampstead, and Henry Croft himself. Her son, Simon, is only just taking on the role of a King, because he knows it’s not something you take lightly.
At last years Somers Town festival we met a lovely lady called Tina Swasey and her partner Simon. They were both so taken with our Pearly tradition after meeting us and reading dads book that they set about organising a memorial Plaque placed on what was Henry Crofts last place he lived.
The total needed was £450 which was easily reached and passed I personally donated a contribution in honour of Henry and my Gt Grandad George Dole friendship and out of respect for all that Henry did.
Here is Tina’s piece for the funding page.
After meeting some Pearlies at a community event in Somers Town, reading The Pearly Prince of St Pancras and learning about the rich Pearly history here in Somers Town, it only made sense to reconnect and remember the original Pearly King and founder Henry Croft.
In the past year, my partner and I have been organising the planning of a commemorative plaque via the Heritage Foundation to be mounted on the site of Henry Croft's previous residence and ensuring the local Housing Association, Origin Housing Limited, are happy with the planning.
Historically, Henry Croft lived on 15 'Charles Street' from 1892-1930 on what is now Phoenix Road. The original terraced buildings are no longer with us and according to historic maps is now set in the location of St Augustine’s House built mid-1930's.
The plaque will include the following content (tbc):
The Heritage Foundation
Henry Croft
The Original Pearly King
1861 - 1930
Founder of the Pearly Kings & Queens Tradition, Charitable Fundraiser, Road Sweeper, Orphan & Father
Lived here at 15 Charles Street (now Phoenix Road)
Camden Borough Council
Good news is that we're nearly there! All that needs doing now is to cover the cost of the plaque production and mounting (£450.00 - we're happy to put forward 10%) and plan a date to commemorate (Sunday, 26 May - right after Henry Croft's birthday on the 24th - tbc)!
Our Pearly King of Kings and founder Mr Henry Croft.
We had a right good old Knees up at Dagenham Sunday Market. Hosted by Frank and his beautiful Daughter Issy, we were looked after like Kings and Queens. Pie and Mash, Jellied Eels and plenty of other Sea food. The day was part of a 10 part documentary series called Dagenham which focuses around the market and all the wonderful Costers and Billy bunters that are the Heart and soul of what community, love and sharing is all about. The series is being shown on BBC 1 starting on the 12th March. The day warmed the Cockles of me Jam Tart as it showcased what is so important about our Pearly tradition, Charity, love for others and reconnecting with all our brothers and sisters. The Pearlies in attendance were Lorraine Sadler Pearly Queen of Tower Hamlet her pot and pan Terry, Sheri Mears Pearly Queen of Kings Cross and her 2 Pearly Children Prince Cain and Princess Trinity. Thank you again Frank for inviting us and also we were overwhelmed by your very generous donation to our charitable causes. This Sunday a multi Pearly Crowning ceremony is taking place in The Carpenters Arms 135 Cambridge Heath Road E1 5RN. Funds raised going to The Air Ambulance. Starts at 3.30.
Princess Trinity with her brother Prince Cain.
Pearly Queen Diane, Pearly King Terry and lovely Issy wearing Pearly Queen Lorraine Jacket and hat.
Pearly Queen Diane, Frank, Franks wife, Pearly King Terry, Issy and Pearly Queen Lorraine
The fantastic Pearly Cake it tasted as good as it looked.
The Pearlies cutting the cake.
Madness weekender in Minehead
December 29, 2018
We attended the iconic Madness weekender in Minehead, Somerset and met a great bunch of people. The Pearly Queen of St Pancras was given a dare to go on Madheads got talent which she did :). Unknown to Diane there was a very large audience but undetered she sang London Girls as a tribute to Chas Hodges with no musical accompaniment. We met an amazing talented group of people.
There were plenty of fantastic musicians at the weekend and we were very pleased to have met a few of them. Madness in their Friday set played London Girls as a tribute to Chas Hodges.
We were absolutely devastated at the very sad news of the passing of Chas.
I got to know Chas over the years, first when C&D started gigging around pubs and clubs in the 70s. Witnessing the joy,fun, laughter and amazing musical talent has provided some lasting priceless memories.
Apart from the fantastic musician Chas, I was so lucky to meet the warm, caring, compassionate, genuine, family loving person that he was.
To say there is a hole left in the world without him is understated - Chas's legacy lives on through our memories and all the music he has left us with.
The Pearly King of Rockney will live on inside our Pearly Hearts.
Musician/songwriter/producer Chas Hodges was born in North Middlesex Hospital, Edmonton on 28th December 1943. Attending Eldon Road Junior School, Lower Edmonton and later Higher Grade School, Upper Edmonton.
On 27th of December 1947, the day before Chas’s 4th birthday, Chas’s father, Albert, committed suicide. His mother Daisy managed to feed the kids (Chas and his older brother Dave) by playing piano in clubs and pubs around North London. At the age of 12, with his mother’s encouragement, Chas learned to play guitar. A year later, 1957, he joined his first band, The Horseshoe skiffle group. When Jerry Lee Lewis played at The Edmonton Regal in 1958, Chas was in the audience, and from that point aspired to become a piano player, much to his mothers delight. In the meantime, Skiffle had played its part and was now on the wane. Rock’n’Roll was taking over and Chas wanted to be part of it. In 1959 Chas bought a Hofner bass guitar (the first electric bass in north London, which he still has and records with) and was in demand. He began playing in various rock’n’roll bands around the area. At the age of 16 he turned fully professional.
One of his first paying gigs was the summer season at Butlins, Filey with Billy Gray & the Stormers in 1960 . The following year, the same band, minus Billy Gray become The Outlaws with new singer Mike Berry, and the legendary Joe Meek as their record producer & engineer. Chas became the major session bass player for the next two years up at Joe Meek’s famous home studio, with the Outlaws practically becoming Meek’s ‘house band’. Chas played on numerous hits such as ‘Tribute to Buddy Holly’, with Mike Berry, ‘Johnny Remember me’ with John Leyton, and ‘Just Like Eddie’ with Heinz. (Along with the new Outlaw member, Ritchie Blackmore).
In 1963 Chas went on tour in Britain & Europe as bass player for Jerry Lee Lewis. It was meant to be. Watching and learning from Jerry Lee every night, Chas’s piano playing began to take serious shape. The same year The Outlaws also backed another legend, Gene Vincent, with Chas taking on the role of musical director. The Outlaws toured with Gene from mid ’63 to early ’64. The tour included a week at the famous Star Club, Hamburg, where they found themselves on the same bill as Cliff Bennett & the Rebel Rousers, Chas’s favourite British band at that time. Shortly after returning home, Chas got a call from Cliff Bennett offering Chas a job with him & the band. Chas accepted the offer and in 1966, after supporting the Beatles on their last European tour, Paul McCartney took the band into Abbey Road & produced ‘Got to get you into my life’, which reached number 6 in the UK singles chart.
In 1970 Heads, Hands & Feet were formed around Chas’s friend and favourite British guitar player Albert Lee. On Albert’s recommendation, Chas was asked to join the band and he spent the next two years recording and gigging with them including an extensive tour of America. It was in America on that tour that Chas began to get ideas about writing his own songs and singing in his own accent. ‘It seemed okay singing in an American accent at home, but in America it felt wrong. I felt like a fraud. His friend Dave Peacock shared his views and so Chas & Dave got together at the end of 1972. Shortly before this, Chas & Heads, Hands & Feet played on Jerry Lee Lewis’ London Sessions Album along with such luminaries as Rory Gallagher, Alvin Lee & other big names of the day.
Chas & Dave recorded their first album in 1974, with Mick Burt, Chas’ drummer from the Rebel Rousers, joining them full time not long after. After a couple of well received albums they finally broke big with ‘Gertcha’, their first top 20 hit in 1979, and they were on their way to becoming multiple hit wonders! The following year, Chas was in the producer’s chair for his old mate Mike Berry. The resulting single ‘Sunshine Of Your Smile’ was a top ten hit and remains a live favourite for Chas & Dave. Chas and Mike followed up this success with an album of the same name. After a couple of very successful years with Dave, Chas briefly became a member of the Beatles (!) This little known event occurred at Eric Clapton’s wedding in 1983. Eric had arranged a Marquee with full backline and drums for anybody who fancied a blow. Chas got up & started playing some rock’n’roll on the piano. One by one Paul, George & Ringo got up & joined in. The Beatles were
together again with the new line up of ‘Chas, Paul, George & Ringo!’. Photographs were taken by Ringo’s wife Maureen’ Says Chas: ‘She told my wife Joan that she would send her copies. But when Joan called her next day she said she was told she must keep them to herself.’ Perhaps one day they’ll come to light.
Chas provided a few words that went on the front cover of dads book The Pearly Prince of St Pancras.
Dad with his Queen Mary every Sunday with their Pearly Taxi blaring out Chas and Dave songs raising fun and funds.
Rest in Peace our dearest Chas our fantastic King of Rockney.
My Pearly friend Lorraine Sadler organised a smashing event in The Carpenters Arms Public house to help raise funds for the British Legion.
I was delighted to be asked to attend and a real pleasure to meet the local Londoners and also the Chelsea Pensioners.
Johnny Day supplied great music and Lorraine, her family and friends supplied fantastic food a real Pearly treat of course with Jellied Eels and Cockles in abundance.
One of the highlights for me personally was to witness 4 generations of an original Pearly family together at one event they were Lorraine’s Pearly Queen mum Pat, Lorraine, her daughter and grandaughter.
We all had a fantastic time sharing our history and having a good old singalong and knees up.
A big thank you to Lorraine and all involved for organising a fantastic event.
The lovely Pie and Liquer Chris and take a butchers at the number on one of his raffle tickets - it only won a prize.
The Pearlies of St Pancras and Kings Cross attended a fundraising event held at The Royal Oak New Ash Green in aid of Battersea Dogs Home.
Our friends Simon and Suzanne organised the event at their pub with plenty of fun activities including a Dog show with many categories.
There were lots of attendees with a lot of them bringing along their Canine friends, our Pearly Prince Cain organised the booking in for each class and his mum Sherida the Pearly Queen of Kings Cross assisted with the raffle.
Cain brought along Brian his Dog and entered him into the Scruffiest Dog class and was overjoyed at getting first place, The Shepherd Neame Dray and Dray horses were there a lovely sight to see.
We had a lovely day supporting this vibrant community event, reflecting the very best of London life. My Pearly friends Lorraine and Terry, The Pearly King and Queen of Tower Hamlets, added their panache, colour and fantastic support on the day. It is always particularly special to attend an event at the heart of our manor, and where the Pearly tradition was started by Henry Croft almost 140 years ago. In recognition of the lifelong friendship between Henry and my Great Grand dad, George Dole, I have recently attempted to make contact with Henry's descendants - to no avail. So whilst there are no Croft family members wearing the Somers Town title out of respect to Henry and my Great Grand dad I will be wearing the Somers Town title, safeguarding it for any future generations of the Croft family who may wish to take up the buttons.
I was invited to attend The Rough Guides to London Podcast festival to sit on the panel and chat about the Pearly tradition and living around Kings Cross.
A great time was had by all and I ended the show with a London singalong.
Our Pearly Princess Trinity aged 7 had 24 inches of her hair cut off and also raised over £1200 for The Little Princess Trust which provide real hair wigs for children suffering from hair loss.
Straight from little Trinity's Pearly princess heart she said 'every little girl deserves real hair'
We had a good old knees up in The Royal Oak Ash Green where the hair cutting was going to be taken place.
Our Pearly Pony Alfie is going really well and my driving skills are getting better. I have a few carriages for Alfie in his different roles.
We were invited to a star studded celebration to celebrate Dame Vera Lynn's 100 birthday. Our lovely Queen Elizabeth also attended we all had a right old Royal knees up.
I was invited to the Ramada Hotel in Dover for a Pearly talk and Singalong with my fund raising Rotarian friends.
Our friends Madness were honoured with a Heritage plaque outside The Dublin Castle public House. The Dublin Castle has a stage and performance area and it is where Madness first played.
Pearly Prince Cain and Pearly Princess Trinity went into their school and spoke to their classmates about the Pearly tradition.
My cousin John Marriot has joined our Pearly family and we welcome him as our Pearly Prince of St Pancras. Johns nan was Polly one of George Doles 17 children and when we were growing up we spent many a happy time together Hopping down in Kent with the rest of our large family.
John has been a lifelong fan of the band Madness so for his first outing in his Pearly suit we attended their gig House of Common on Clapham common.
John has all the credentials for being a Pearly apart from his kind and generous nature he is so much fun and very warmhearted and will be amazing helping raise fun and funds and keeping our tradition alive.
Welcome John.
John with Woody Madness drummer and me
John and Lee Thompson Madness Saxophonist
John with the Pearly Princess of St Pancras Karan
Group shot left to right back row Diane Gould, Pearlyking Jim, Pearly Queen Michelle, Pearly Queen Sherida, Pearly princess Karan. Front row LtoR Pearly Princess Lillie Bliss, Pearly Prince Cain, Pearly photographer Devon and Pearly princess Trinity. The lovely lady in the centre is the landlady of the Dublin Castle Samantha.
Trinity and Lillie.
Waiting to go onstage with Madness behind the scenes
On stage Chrissy boy on guitar.
Suggs.
John in his glory behind Suggs.