Cockney

A Cockney, in the loosest sense of the word, is a working-class inhabitant of the East End of London. But according to tradition, the strict definition is limited to those born within earshot (generally taken to be three miles) of the Bow bells, in other words the bells of St Mary-le-Bow, Cheapside. However, the bells were silent from the outbreak of World War II until 1961. Also, of course, as the general din in London has increased, the area in which the bells can be heard has contracted. Formerly it included the City, Bethnal Green, Stepney, Shoreditch, Whitechapel, Finsbury, and Hackney although according to the legend of Dick Whittington the bells could be heard as far away as from Highgate.

Famous Cockneys

• Alfie Bass (actor, born in Bethnal Green)
• Marc Bolan (singer, musician, born in Hackney)
• Bernard Bresslaw (actor, born in Stepney)
• George Carey (archbishop, born in Bow)
• Jack Cohen (founder of Tesco supermarket chain, born in Whitechapel)
• Windsor Davies (actor, born in Canning Town)
• Roger Delgado, (actor, born in Whitechapel)
• Bud Flanagan, (actor, comedian, and singer, born in Whitechapel)
• Kenny Jones (musician, born in Bow)
• Ronnie Lane (musician, born in Bow)
• Angela Lansbury (actress, born in Poplar)
• Vera Lynn (singer, born in East Ham)
• Lenny McLean (bare knuckle/unlicensed boxer/actor, born in Hoxton). Also known as "The Guv'nor". Played "Barry the Baptist" in "Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels."
• Steve Marriott (singer, musician, born in Bow)
• Dizzee Rascal (MC, music producer, born in Bow)
• Terence Stamp (actor, born in Stepney)
• Barbara Windsor (actress, born in Shoreditch)
• Kray twins (Ronald and Reginald; born in Bethnal Green) Probably England's most famous gangsters.

Some London-born performers frequently mistaken for Cockneys include Michael Caine, Max Bygraves, Arthur Mullard and Tommy Steele. Many other actors, born outside London, are famous for Cockney roles.

Related Topics:
Michael Caine - Max Bygraves - Arthur Mullard - Tommy Steele

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