George Major, the iconic Pearly King of Peckham who dedicated more than six decades to preserving traditional East London Cockney culture and inspired the legendary television character Del Boy, has died at the age of 88. He passed away peacefully on August 1, surrounded by three generations of his family.
Crowned as the Pearly King of Peckham in 1958 when he was just 20 years old, Major became one of the most recognizable and steadfast figures of working-class London heritage. Throughout his life, he was celebrated for his tireless charitable efforts, his signature suit adorned with 22,000 hand-sewn pearl buttons, and his vibrant personality that captured the true spirit of the East End.
The Real-Life Inspiration Behind Del Boy
Major’s colorful life as a London market costermonger left an indelible mark on British popular culture. Before writing the classic 1980s sitcom Only Fools and Horses, creator John Sullivan frequently observed Major and his fellow market traders working in South East London. This close contact earned Major the affectionate nickname “Del Boy the First.”
Several of Major’s genuine commercial schemes directly influenced iconic storylines on the hit show. Most famously, after filling empty milk bottles with exhaust fumes and selling them as “Cockney smog” to American tourists, he provided the real-world blueprint for the classic episode where Del Boy and Rodney bottle ordinary tap water and market it as “Peckham Spring.”
Preserving a Fading Tradition
The centuries-old Victorian Pearly tradition faced a steep decline, dropping from more than 400 active families down to just a dozen in his later years. In response, Major became passionately driven to keep the heritage alive. Despairing that younger generations were losing touch with their roots, he spent his life savings to establish the world’s only Cockney Museum, located in Stoneleigh, Surrey, where he welcomed visitors six days a week.
His daughter, Janet, paid tribute to his enduring legacy on social media, writing: “It is with heavy hearts, but immense pride in a life so fully lived, that we share the passing of our beloved Dad, George Major. To many, he was the Pearly King of Peckham-a proud Londoner who brought joy, tradition, and charity to everyone around him.”
Funeral and Legacy
Family members, friends, and fellow pearly royalty gathered on September 14 for his funeral service at a chapel near the Cockney Museum. A traditional horse-drawn cart transported his casket to the chapel as mourners sang classic pub songs to celebrate his life, concluding with a burial nearby.
A fundraising campaign established by his family helped support the traditional Pearly send-off. Leftover funds from the initiative are designated for causes traditionally championed by the Pearlies, including The Childhood Trust and local London borough food banks, ensuring that Major’s lifelong commitment to charity continues long after his passing.
