Few of London’s traditions are as peculiar and colourful as the legend of the Pearly Kings and Queens. This folklore hails right from the heart of the city, near the supplied coordinates, located in Bethnal Green, East London, England. The tradition takes us all the way back to 1875, to the story of Henry Croft, an orphan street sweeper and rat catcher. In those times, street traders, known as Costermongers, used to sew pearl buttons on their clothes, not just for decoration, but to show their allegiance to their close-knit community. Inspired by this tradition, Croft decided to go a step further and completely covered his outfit with pearl buttons to draw attention when collecting money for charities. As he paraded through the city, Croft quickly captured London’s heart, heralding a new folklore tradition – the Pearly Kings and Queens. Each London borough now has a Pearly family, each of which raises money for different charities, keeping alive the spirit of communal solidarity reminiscent of the 19th-century Costermongers. The Pearlies’ flashy outfits are not simply adorned with random patterns of shimmering buttons. Rather, intricate symbols are sewn into the fabric. Horses, wheels, and anchors represent the Costermonger’s life; hearts, doves, and flowers embody the values of love, peace, and hope. This firmly-rooted tradition of the Pearly Kings and Queens serves as an emblem of London’s rich cultural tapestry, a folklore spun from the threads of kindness, bravery, and community spirit. It is a tradition rooted in charity and goodwill, that has survived wars, social changes, and the passage of time, standing today as a vibrant reminder of London’s grit and resilience.