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Did you know? Guildhall – The folk tale Dick Whittington and his Cat was based on a real-life Lord Mayor of the City of London

Wednesday, September 20, 2023 - 12:00

Built between 1411 and 1440, Guildhall was designed to reflect the power of London and its leaders.  Originally the site of London’s amphitheatre (built AD 70), Guildhall was home to the City of London Corporation and hub of City life by the Middle Ages - an era when the Lord Mayor of London rivalled the monarch for influence and prestige.

One of these leaders was Richard ‘Dick’ Whittington, Lord Mayor of the City of London. Immortalised in the folktale, Dick Whittington and his Cat, a well-loved childrens’ story throughout the centuries, Whittington was Lord Mayor on four occasions from 1397.

While his real life may have differed from the story (he may not have owned a cat) Richard  Whittington was married to Alice Fitzwarren, daughter of a Dorset knight. He was also a mercer and sold his wares to King Richard II, often providing the Crown with loans. When the King decided that the City of London was being misgoverned, Whittington was placed in the role of Lord Mayor. 

Image credit: Matt Chung Photography

Richard Whittington’s legacy can still be felt and seen in the City including in his contribution to the founding of the Guildhall Library and the building of the Guildhall complex.  Over 600 years later, the election of the Lord Mayor continues to be held in Guildhall each September and this year sees the of the 695th Lord Mayor who will be elected at Guildhall in time honoured tradition.