The Cockney Museum — Attraction in Epsom and Ewell

This is a lifetime of work of George's; The true, "Pearly King of Peckham" and as he will tell you; "the original Del boy"! If you are interested in history, London history, which is focused on the east end, then this "walk through time" is just for you. My son took me along, and it took me straight back down memory lane. The poverty, the harshness, the lack of "safety nets" no benefits, no government assistance! But a very close community of everyday working class people who looked out for each other. You'll walk through the 1800s and 1900s to the present day. The memories came flooding back to me as I strolled around the museum looking at the wall to wall information & photos. The time & effort George & his family must have put in, to gather all of these marvelous exhibits is just took my breath away. The museum is tucked away behind the shops on the Broadway, it's small, but full of atmosphere, and songs from years gone by. You can walk around it in 15mins, or if you are really hooked you could stay there for hours reading the history, & talking to George. The dustbin-lids (kids/children) will love it, but it's good for the young at heart also and George is on hand to impart a world of information, and stories about the history of the costermongers, & why & how they developed the Pearly traditions, raising huge amounts of money for local & national charities! So do yourself a favour, get your whistle & flute (suit) on, pop on your daisy roots (boots), skip down the apple & pears (stairs), hop on a bus, train, or jam jar (car), and support Gorge and his wonderful museum. I not 100% sure, but I think your wallet will need to step back in time also, with good old fashioned cash to pay the entrance fee, or just give a donation, as wee did. But there's also a little museum shop (again cash/folding money) where you can purchase these mementos of your visit or presents for friends & family?. There are several bank machines on the Broardway just around the Jack Horner (corner), if you forget, so no drama's! I will keep spreading the word, and support the wonderful George (who must be in his 80s now), every time I'm in the neighborhood....

A great place to visit. Not massive but well laid out and good exhibits. Was well worth going and seeing what it was like when my family lived in Shoreditch. Some people had absolutely nothing and nowhere to live. My mother was born within the sound of Bow Bells. They moved when the war started to the countryside. You can tell George, former Pearly King of Peckham loves the museum and he is full of knowledge. Lots of photographs around also of famous people he met or knew. There is a nice little shop in the museum with something for everyone. We found it very easy to park using Just Park who we have used before. We then ambled past the shops back to the car. There were 4 of us and we were all glad we went and will probably go back sometime soon and be reminded of how much more we have today compared to then. Who knows what the...

This small museum is clearly a labor of love and unique look at Cockney history and culture. You begin by walking through a dimmly-lit Victorian alley to learn a bit about social conditions in London in the 19th century). The next section is a mock-up market where you learn about the coster mongers and how they eventually became the famous Cockney Pearly Kings and Queens. The final section of the museum is a.celebration of the Pearly Kings and Queens with displays of original suits. Throughout there are many, many pictures that help to make this world come alive. There is also a lovely soundtrack of old sing-alongs.tonkeep it lively.

The museum is easily accessible by public transport (SWT train to Stone Leigh station, then a 5 minute walk) and well worth the trip for anyone interested in London's history and culture. Highly...