'THE COSTER QUEEN."

Star (Christchurch), Issue 7702, 11 May 1903, Page 2

'THE COSTER QUEEN."

REMARKABLE, FUNERAL PRO-

CESS JON IN WALWORTH.

Perhaps the mosfc striking funeral ever witnessed i_ South London took place on March 24, when a mile of cabs, traps/ and donkey-carts followed tho remains of Mrs Russel, known as the " Coster Queen," to Nunhead Cemetery.

Mrs Russel, who was only thirty-nine, started life as a "coster" girl, selling flowers and celery in the Walworth Road. She was always popular with her commercial competitors', and when she married, she never forgot hei\-jld friends. Many a costermonger " down on liis luck " sought her assistance, and was generously provided with funds to" buy fresh stock. Her ready sympathy extended to those who gob* into trouble with the police, and in numerous cases it was Mrs Russel who found bail or the money to pay fines. The " Coster Queen " was fond of jewellery, and consequently wore a number of costly rings and other ornaments. In earlier days she was strikingly handsome, as well as an excellent woman of Btisiness. The number of friends she made during her •lifetime was eloquently shown by the vast crowds that assembled to see the start of the- funeral processsion from Elizabeth Street, Walworth. As far as Peck-am, the crowd lined the .roadway, and the shutters were up in a number of' shops. Afterwards the walking pace of the long string of vehicles was changed t6 a brisk trot. The floral tributes consisted of wreaths, horseshoes, harps, etc., and entirely filled a room. They were estimated to be worth over £100. '