George Major, the much-loved Pearly King of Peckham, died on August 1 at the age of 88, surrounded by three generations of his family. He was one of London's last Pearly Kings and an inspiration for Del Boy in the classic 1980s comedy Only Fools and Horses.
Tributes from family
“He is, and will be sorely missed by all who loved and knew him. He made such a big impression on anyone he came across,” his daughter Janet said in tribute.
Mr Major spent over 65 years preserving working-class Cockney heritage. Crowned in 1958 at just 20 years old, he was celebrated for his dedicated charity work, his trademark suit covered in 22,000 pearl buttons, and for being a real-life inspiration behind the beloved TV character Del Boy, played by David Jason.
Inspiration for Only Fools and Horses
Before creating the hit comedy series Only Fools and Horses, writer John Sullivan reportedly followed Major around London markets. One of Mr Major’s real-life schemes—selling milk bottles filled with "Cockney smog" to American tourists—directly inspired the classic episode where Del Boy sells tap water as "Peckham Spring".
As the numbers of traditional Pearly Kings and Queens have dwindled over the years, Mr Major became passionate about keeping his heritage alive and spent his life savings to create the world's only Cockney Museum. The museum was opened in Stoneleigh, Surrey, where many original East End families relocated over the decades.
Charity and legacy
The Pearly Kings and Queens date back to the Victorian era, where they became known for their charity work and dressing up in elaborate outfits.
A fundraiser has been launched to give Mr Major a send-off fit for a king. His daughter Janet wrote: “We want to be able to give him a true Pearly King ceremony as he deserves. As you can imagine this will be quite costly.
“We appreciate any donations, big or small. All are welcome to join us in his send off, once we have set a date. Any money leftover will be given to charities such as The Childhood trust, and London borough food banks, which we as Pearlies, have always raised money for.
“We really appreciate and are grateful for all of you. And we really hope to see you all for the celebration of a life well live by a man well loved.
“Up the apples and pears to the pearly gates where he now rests in peace.”
