Whittington Stone

The Whittington Stone is a Grade-II listed memorial stone on the south-west side of Highgate Hill, Islington, approximately 15 metres south of the junction with Magdala Avenue. It commemorates the story of Richard Whittington (c.1354–1423) who, leaving London discouraged after a disastrous attempt to make his fortune in the City, had reached Highgate Hill when heard the bells of St Mary le Bow ring out from 4.5 miles away: 'Turn again Whittington, thrice Lord Mayor of London.' He turned back and indeed became a successful merchant and Lord Mayor of London three times.

Having died childless, Whittington left £7,000 in his will to charity, which funded the rebuilding of Newgate Prison and accommodation in it for the Sheriffs and Recorder which is the forerunner of that in the Old Bailey, the first library in Guildhall (the ancestor of the modern Guildhall Library), repairs of St Bartholomew's Hospital, and almshouses (still functioning and relocated in 1966 to Felbridge near East Grinstead). The Whittington Charity disburses money each year through the Mercers' Company.

There had been a wayfaring stone in this location from at least the 17th century. The original Whittington Stone was removed and replaced in 1795, and then removed and replaced again with the current stone in 1821.

In 1821 the stone included an inscription to Richard Whittington, Mayor of London: ‘Whittington Stone / Richard Whittington / Thrice Lord Mayor of London / 1397 - Richard II / 1406 - Henry IV / 1420 - Henry V / Sheriff - in 1393’. By 1935, local newspapers were reporting that the stone was in a poor condition and appeals were made to Islington Council. In 1964, local actor Donald Bissett commissioned art student Jonathan Kenworthy to place a statue of a cat on the stone, made from black polished kellymount limestone. The Whittington story is reflected in the nearby Whittington Hospital and visitors to the hospital often pet and stroke the cat for good luck before entering.

Extensive weathering across all surfaces has reduced the definition and legibility of the inscription panels with the west elevation lettering almost completely lost. The east inscription panel is less weathered and the dedication detailing Richard Whittington’s life and the 1935 restoration are still visible. The letters will be carefully conserved to improve their legibility. Other repairs will be carried out to the stone and cat statue including enhancing the original surface finish of the cat. The railings will also be refurbished and repainted. The project will start in 2025, generously supported by Knight Frank.