Whittington Stone

The Whittington Stone is an 1821 monumental stone and statue of a cat at the foot of Highgate Hill, a street, in Archway (until some decades after the nearby arched bridge was built in the early 19th century considered the northern part of Upper Holloway).

It marks roughly where it is recounted a forlorn Dick Whittington, returning to his homeland the city as losing faith as a scullion in a scullery, heard Bow Bells (4 1⁄2 miles (7.2 km) away) prophesying his good fortune leading to the homage "Turn again Whittington, thrice Lord Mayor of London!". This old quotation and a short history of the man covers two faces of the stone.[1] The pub next to it is of the same name.[2]

Details

The large tablet was erected 1821, restored 1935, and the cat sculpture was added in 1964. It is a two-segment slab of Portland stone "the inscription to the south-west side now almost completely eroded, that to the north-east [tells] the career of the medieval merchant and City dignitary Sir Richard Whittington (c.1354–1423), including his [three/four] terms as Lord Mayor".[2] The memorial marks the site where 'Dick Whittington', returning home discouraged after a disastrous attempt to make his fortune in the City, heard the bells of St Mary-le-Bow ring out, 'Turn again Whittington, thrice Lord Mayor of London.'[2] On top is the 1964 sculpture of a cat by Jonathan Kenworthy, in polished-black Kellymount limestone. Iron railings, oval in plan, with upper florishes and above spearhead finials and an intersecting circular return (an "overthrow"), surround it.[2] The stone and railings are negligibly raised by broad stone (a small plinth) mainly set into the surrounding pavement. It has statutory protection as listed, in the initial grade II category, since 1972.

Other legacies

Aside from cultural references including a nursery rhyme, story and plays, the Lord Mayor was praised for ensuring the building of a maternity hospital and drains for the poor of London during his lifetime. He left his wealth to a broad-based charity which continues into the 21st century helping people in need.[3]

References

  1. ↑ The London Encyclopaedia, Pan Macmillan, 2011, p. 1023, ISBN 9780230738782
  2. 1 2 3 4 Historic England. "Whittington Stone along Highgate Hill, c. 15 metres south of junction with Magadala Avenue (1298038)". National Heritage List for England.
  3. ↑ Charitable Trusts — The Worshipful Company of Mercers (Mercers' Company)

Coordinates: 51°33′59″N 0°08′13″W / 51.5665°N 0.1369°W / 51.5665; -0.1369

This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.