John Walters, Bunhill Fields Burial Ground, City Road, Islington, Greater London

John Walters, Pearly King of Finsbury. The Pearly Kings and Queens date back to 1875. Inspired by the costermonger market traders in Somers Town, Henry Croft, an orphan and road sweep, began sewing pearl buttons on his cap and suit to attract attention while collecting money for his former orphanage and other worthy causes. He was helped by the costermongers, some of whom originated the first Pearly families, representing each of the London boroughs, the City of London and the City of Westminster.

Bunhill Fields Burial Ground was established in 1660s. It became the pre-eminent graveyard for Nonconformists in England and one of the first established specifically for dissenters in London. Among those buried here are John Bunyan, Daniel Defoe and William Blake. It closed to burials in 1867, becoming a public park, and is now listed Grade I.

List Entry Number 1001713.
Historic England Archive DP183335.