Comments on: Henry Croft, Road Sweeper

By: Jill Wilson

Jill Wilson — Mon, 20 Aug 2018 09:51:07 +0000

Really interesting to read about the original Pearly King – especially as I am currently involved in a production of Me and My Girl featuring Pearly Kings and Queens doing the Lambeth Walk! What brilliant timing….

By: Bob Davenport

Bob Davenport — Mon, 20 Aug 2018 07:58:49 +0000

There are video clips of Henry’s funeral procession and of the unveiling of his monument at https://studiedmonuments.wordpress.com/2015/09/25/henry-croft-the-original-pearly-king/?preview_id=494

By: Greg Tingey

Greg Tingey — Mon, 20 Aug 2018 07:03:59 +0000

Takling, or at least mentioning the Pearlies …
Their annual meet at The Guildhall takes place this year on Sunday 16th September.

By: Susan

Susan — Mon, 20 Aug 2018 06:58:55 +0000

I just love this…

By: Judi Jones

Judi Jones — Mon, 20 Aug 2018 06:40:24 +0000

Thank you for bringing our attention to Henry Croft.

Surely the Pearly Kings & Queens legacy he left behind should award him a bigger pedestal don’t you think? I’ve always wondered why there isn’t more attention bestowed on this wonderful London tradition. They do such good work and deserve more appreciation from all us. It would be so sad if those fabulous pearly suits became a thing of the past.

Long live Pearly Kings and Queens!

By: mlaiuppa

mlaiuppa — Mon, 20 Aug 2018 05:53:55 +0000

Wow. Just wow.

Employed as a sweeper aged 15. Around that time he started sewing the buttons on his suit. How creative. I had no idea that the practice was called “Pearlies.” Rather the opposite of the Amish. And all for the sake of raising money for charity.

What an admirable person, to work so hard and then harder still to raise money for charity. And what a wonderful tradition and history being part of the Pearlies must be. Quite the responsibility to live up to. That it continues today is a tribute to Mr. Croft.

This is going on my list of “musts” should I ever manage to trip to London.