A Pearly Harvest Festival

by Esmerelda Weatherwax (October 2011)

Henry Croft died in 1930. In recent years the pearly tradition has spread out of London, as have the native Londoners, and Pearlies can be found in several of the home counties, particularly Essex and Hertfordshire. There are now two associations, both registered charities with two interesting websites, here and here. Succession is partly hereditary, Kings, Queens, Princes and Princesses, and since some families have rested their title the tradition is also continued by new blood being elected and invited on the strength of their work and commitment to charitable causes.

Donna Marie had all the mayors and dignitaries up to dance. Invited guests included veterans from the Royal Hospital Chelsea.

There were two Morris dancing sides and two marching bands. After the entertainment the parade formed up to process out of Guildhall Yard, into Gresham Street, up Cheapside to St Mary le Bow.

Newfoundland dogs pulled even smaller carts with contributions.

At the church the Pearlies were greeted by a youth brass band playing Knees up Mother Brown. Somebody had to play it! The gifts were unloaded and carried into church.

It was a good afternoon. Young and old (and even bears) enjoyed themselves.

To comment on this article, please click here.

If you enjoyed this piece and would like to read more by Esmerelda Weatherwax, please click here.

To help New English Review continue to publish articles such as this one, please click here.

Esmerelda Weatherwax is a regular contributor to the Iconoclast, our community blog. To view her entries please click here.