Whenever I go to London, I try to find something new or unusual to see and write about here. During my last few trips in the summer of 2024, I decided to focus on the cats of London, and this is how I ended up taking a subway ride to Archway just to see a cat statue known as Dick Whittington’s Cat.
But, before I talk about this cat statue in London, I have to share what I learned from the Tale of Dick Whittington’s Cat.
Where London’s Feline Folklore Comes to Life
Born in the 1350s, Richard Whittington was a real historical figure who rose from humble origins to become a wealthy merchant and three-time Lord Mayor of London. However, the tale of his loyal feline companion, Dick Whittington’s Cat, blurs the lines between fact and folklore. And I love this story exactly because of that. In a concentrated way, this is the story.
Dick Whittington, a young orphan from a poor village, sets off to London after hearing fantastical stories about its streets being paved with gold. Upon arrival, he’s met with the harsh reality of poverty. He struggles to survive, as was customary in London at the time. Eventually, he finds work with a wealthy merchant named Mr. Fitzwarren but faces mistreatment from the cook who works in the same house. But, despite his difficult circumstances, Dick uses his meager savings to buy a cat to deal with a mice infestation in his attic.
Mr. Fitzwarren, as was customary at the time, offered his servants a chance to send goods on his next ship to seek their fortune. Dick, having nothing but the cat, sends it along. The boat encounters a kingdom plagued by rodents, and the cat is quickly purchased for a vast sum of gold and jewels.
News of Dick’s newfound wealth reaches London before he does. He returns to a changed life, showered with respect and admiration. He repays the kindness shown to him by sharing his wealth with others, including the servants and even the cruel cook.
His newfound status also attracts the attention of Mr. Fitzwarren’s daughter, Alice, and they eventually marry. Dick’s rags-to-riches journey culminates in his three-time election as Lord Mayor of London, proving that determination and good fortune can heighten even the humblest beginnings.
The story of Dick Whittington’s cat is deeply intertwined with the iconic Bow Bells of East London. According to legend, a disheartened Whittington, on the verge of leaving London, paused at the foot of Highgate Hill and heard the bells ring out:
“Turn again, Whittington! Thrice Lord Mayor of London!”
Inspired by this prophetic message, he turned back towards the city, and his fortunes changed dramatically. Today, a monument known as the Whittington Stone marks this very spot.
Dick Whittington’s cat symbolizes more than just a lucky charm. It embodies hope and the power of seizing opportunities. The story has resonated with generations of Londoners and visitors alike, inspiring countless children’s books, plays, and even a pantomime.
To make things even more interesting, a local legend whispers of a curse associated with the Whittington Stone. If the stone is removed from its original location or harmed, disaster will befall the surrounding area. Whether this is simply folklore or a genuine belief, it adds an intriguing layer of mystery to the tale.
The Whittington Stone you see in the pictures here is a monumental stone from 1821 at the foot of Highgate Hill in Archway. The cat statue was added on top of it in 1964.
Dick Whittington’s Cat, Know Before You Go
- Location: The Whittington Stone is at the foot of Highgate Hill, near the Whittington Hospital. You can take the subway to Archway, and you’ll be close.
- Accessibility: The monument is easily accessible by public transportation.
- Nearby Attractions: Highgate Cemetery has famous residents like Karl Marx and is a short walk away.
A Must-See for London Explorers Looking for the unusual
Whether you’re a history buff, a cat lover like me, or captivated by the charm of London legends, the Whittington Stone is an interesting place to visit. Especially when you use it as an excuse to visit the Highgate Cemetery on the same trip. Besides that, the Whittington Stone is a palpable connection to a captivating tale that has endured for centuries, reminding us that even the most ambitious dreams can come true.
Take the chance to discover this unique piece of London’s history. The Whittington Stone and the legend of Dick Whittington’s cat await your exploration.
Dick Whittington’s Cat: The Legend That Launched a Lord Mayor
53 B519, London
N19 5DS, United Kingdom
