Six hundred years ago, the first library at Guildhall was founded by money bequeathed by a former Lord Mayor of the City of London, who gained a reputation as an astute medieval merchant, politician, and philanthropist.

The vexed question of whether or not Richard Whittington was also a cat owner will be addressed in an exhibition, ‘Whittington: The Man, The Myth and The Cat’, which opens at the City of London Corporation’s public reference library on 7 October.

The free exhibition will use chapbooks (i.e. small printed booklets used for street literature in early modern Europe), children’s books, and works relating to pantomimes (… and cats), most of which were donated to the library by prolific book collector, Ellery Yale Wood, in 2016.

Taking a detailed look at Richard Whittington’s life and the legends that have grown up around him, ‘Whittington: The Man, The Myth and The Cat’ will investigate the true story behind the rags-to-riches tale of a penniless orphan who transformed not just himself, but also the City of London.

Visitors to the exhibition will learn how Whittington loaned money to Richard II, Henry IV, and Henry V nearly 60 times, and paid for the building of public lavatories at St Martin Vintry, a refuge for unmarried mothers at St Thomas’ Hospital, the rebuilding of Newgate Prison, and the establishment of the first library at Guildhall.

They will also discover how the myth of the cat took hold in the 17th century and along with many other theories, may be a result of a play on words – i.e. a fleet of boats used for import and export were known as “cattes” or “cat”, it being a mistranslation of the French word, ‘achat’, for trade.

Most famously, Richard Whittington was appointed as Lord Mayor (and later, elected in his own right) in 1397 and re-elected in 1406 and 1419.

On 5 September 1421, a widower and childless, Richard Whittington drew up his will and left his entire fortune of £7,500 - the equivalent of around £7.5m today - to charity. He died on 23 or 24 March 1423.

Chairman of the City of London Corporation’s Culture, Heritage and Libraries Committee, Munsur Ali, said:

“Most of us have heard of Dick Whittington and enjoyed watching the pantomime but, beyond remembering that Richard Whittington was Lord Mayor three times and mentioning a cat, few people will know a great deal about him.

“As it approaches its 600th anniversary, this exhibition at Guildhall Library will feel like a love letter to the remarkable man who was responsible for its creation, and whose generosity benefitted Londoners during his lifetime and continues to this day via charitable causes.”

The City of London Corporation is one of the largest funders of heritage and cultural activities in the UK, investing over £130m every year. The organisation manages a range of world-class cultural and heritage institutions, including the Barbican Centre, Tower Bridge, Guildhall School of Music & Drama, Guildhall Art Gallery, Guildhall Library, The London Archives, and Keats House. It also supports the London Symphony Orchestra and the London Museum.

Destination City is the City of London Corporation’s growth strategy for the Square Mile as a world-leading business and leisure location. Destination City is delivering a seven-day-a-week Square Mile that is a global magnet for businesses and residents, visitors, and workers alike.

ENDS

Notes for Editors:

‘Whittington: The Man, The Myth and The Cat’ is presented at Guildhall Library from 7 October 2024 to April 2025. Admission is FREE.

All requests for images and interviews should be directed to Andrew Buckingham (see below) at the City of London Corporation’s Media Team:

Andrew Buckingham, Media Officer (Arts, Culture, Heritage, Licensing), City of London Corporation / 07795 333060 / andrew.buckingham@cityoflondon.gov.uk

About the City of London Corporation:

The City of London Corporation, which owns and manages Guildhall Library, is the governing body of the Square Mile dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City, supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally successful UK –  www.cityoflondon.gov.uk

About Guildhall Library:

Guildhall Library is open to all members of the public Monday to Thursday, 10am – 4pm. For further information please visit: www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/services/libraries/guildhall-library

Guildhall Library, Aldermanbury, London, EC2V 7HH