Richard Whittington (c1354–1423) ******************************** Richard Whittington was a medieval merchant and a politician. He is also the real-life inspiration for the English folk tale Dick Whittington and His Cat. He was four times Lord Mayor of London, a Member of Parliament and a sheriff of London. In his lifetime he financed a number of public projects, such as drainage systems in poor areas of medieval London, and a hospital ward for unmarried mothers. He bequeathed his fortune to form the Charity of Sir Richard Whittington which, nearly 600 years later, continues to assist people in need. Despite knowing three of the five kings who reigned during his lifetime, there is no evidence that he was knighted. The pantomime story of Dick Whittington *************************************** At first unsuccessful, Dick set out to leave London, but returned after he heard the bells of the City calling him back. In the end, Whittington becomes rich thanks to his cat. The story first appeared nearly 200 years after Whittington’s death. Other characters were added, and Dick Whittington became a favourite pantomime in the 19th century. The facts ********* The real Richard Whittington was apprenticed to the Mercers’ Company in the City of London. He became a successful trader, dealing in valuable imports such as silks and velvets. All his goods would have entered London through the river quays. Whittington was three times Master of the Mercers’ Company and four times Mayor of London. Richard Whittington’s fortune was used for many charitable purposes, including almshouses (housing for poor people), a library, and also public works such as improvement to the water supply and a public lavatory. The Whittington Charity still exists, and provides housing and financial help. Richard II and his successor Henry IV were important customers for Whittington. He supplied silks for the wedding dresses of the daughters of Henry IV. The legend of Dick is commemorated by the Whittington Stone on Highgate Hill, from where Dick is supposed to have heard the City’s bells. In 1964, a figure of a cat was added to the stone.