The Pearly Prince of St Pancras

Pearly Kings and Queens are one of the quintessential icons of “old London” originally invented to parody wealthy West End society but also to raise money for charities. Born in 1930 Alf Dole lived his life in this tradition and was the grandson of the first Pearly King of St Pancras. Capturing the camaraderie of London's street markets in the middle of the 20th century and surviving the Second World War Alf's heartwarming memoir also serves as an important slice of social history from a time when working-class communities were proud to celebrate their traditions. Sadly Alf died just after completing his story but his daughter Diane herself a Pearly Princess is continuing the family custom in fine tradition.