Pearly Princess

This is Scarlett Rowe, who is a member of one of around 30 families who continue the tradition founded by Henry Croft, to collect money for charity around London.

Each London Borough has a Pearly King or Queen have a look here for who's who.

Henry Croft, the founder was born in 1862 and raised in a Victorian Workhouse Orphanage In St Pancras. At 13 he left to become a road sweeper and rat catcher. He was attracted to the Costermongers (Market stall holders), who's 'flashy' outfits were embellished with pearl buttons. The traders were good at looking after each other, doing a 'whip round' if anyone was in trouble. Henry's idea was to cover a whole uniform with buttons, and collect for charity on an ongoing basis. As the idea expanded more people became involved and Pearly Royalty began.

Today is the 15oth anniversary of Henry's birth.