Cockney museum in Surrey is 'my pride and joy'

A museum dedicated to London's Pearly Kings and Queens has been attracting visitors to a corner of Surrey for the last five years.

The Cockney Museum in Stoneleigh opened its doors in 2020 and has had visitors from all over the world, including America and Australia.

It contains the "Cockney crown jewels", a large collection of sequined suits, as well as "historically significant" artefacts dating back 180 years.

George Major, the museum's founder, said it had been his "dream" since he was crowned Pearly King of Peckham in 1958.

He said: "People are surprised to find a Cockney museum in Surrey, but they love it."

He explained the museum was in Surrey rather than London for purely practical reasons.

"If I wanted a building as big as I have now in London it would cost me an arm and a leg," he said.

"All the Cockneys have moved out of London anyway."

The first recorded usage of the word Cockney dates back to 1362.

It used to be said to only apply to those born within earshot of the bells of Mary-le-Bow Church in Cheapside in the City of London.

A lack of maternity wards in the area rendered this definition obsolete long ago.

Pearly Kings and Queens date back to the 19th Century, originating from London street traders.

The Cockney Museum takes visitors into the streets of London in Victorian times.

Mr Major said: "Life was hard in those days.

"I think all children should learn about Cockney heritage.

"It's important for them to learn what life was like in past times."

Mr Major said he had been on screen in EastEnders a few times as a Pearly King and got to know the cast and crew.

But it's his museum he is most proud of.

He said: "I'm 100% proud of this museum. I love it and I work in there every day aged 87.

"It's my pride and joy. My dream has become a reality."

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