People who are born in London close enough to hear the sound of the bells of the church of St. Mary-le-Bow are called what?

The traditional test for being a "true" Londoner is famously tied to the sound of a specific church. To earn this particular title, a person must be born within earshot of the "Bow Bells" of St. Mary-le-Bow, located in the Cheapside area of the city. This geographic and auditory requirement has been the defining characteristic for centuries, cementing a unique local identity that is inseparable from the sound of these bells.

The term itself has a curious history, likely originating as a mild insult. It may derive from the Middle English phrase "cokeney," or "cock's egg," which referred to a small or misshapen egg. Country dwellers used this term to mock city folk, whom they considered soft or naive. Over time, however, London's working-class East Enders embraced the name, transforming it into a proud badge of identity.

This tradition has faced challenges. The bells were destroyed in the Great (Review) Fire of London and again during the Blitz in World War II, only to be recast and returned to service each time. Today, the ever-increasing noise of the modern city means the bells' range is much smaller than it once was, making the definition harder to meet. Nevertheless, the identity remains strong, closely associated with its distinctive accent and famous rhyming slang, where "stairs" might become "apples and pears."