Weekly Meeting - Dr Michael McCarthy (The Real Dick Whittington)

Wed, Dec 2nd 2015 at 7:30 pm - 10:00 pm

Friend: Adrian Smith
VOT: Peter Burton

Dr Michael McCarthy (The Real Dick Whittington)

We were very lucky to have Michael McCarthy, long time friend of Adrian's to dine and talk about The Real Dick Whittington. His new book will be 'The Will of Richard Whittington'.

Fame has it that Dick was born (1397) in Pauntley - just up the road. His father, Sir William Whittington, was a rich middle class landowner, whose estate dated back to the Domesday Book. Being the third son, Dick had to make his way in the land and so, in 1369 aged 12, he was sent by wagon to London to be an apprentice to Sir Ivo Fitzwarin in the City. So he made his way via Oxford, which took a week in those days. Sir Ivo mentored Dick to become a Master Mercer, after a menial start in the kitchens !

The City had become a major market place in Europe. Dick was clearly lucky and very astute, being now a Member of the Mercer Company and through providing gold cloth to the King, gained a position of political influence with him. This was crucial and Dick became an Alderman in 1397 - one of 24. He was the first Mercer to become Mayor of the City - being installed by the King when the incumbent suddenly died. After some months he was then elected Mayor in 1397, overcoming strong opposition from the other medieval Guilds (Haberdashers, Skinners, Vintners, Goldsmiths, Grocers, Drapers, amongst others).

His extraordinary business acumen in the wool trade and investments led to lending money to the King, rather than property investment. He was then able with his immense wealth to set about philanthropic redevelopment of large swathes of the City, particularly building city churches with large mansions nearby - this alledgedly aided one's trip to heaven when the time came!

In 1400 he married Alice Fitzwarin, daughter of Sir Ivo, but had no children, but was cash rich. Elected Mayor for a 2nd time 1406 and third time 1419.

Social reform was his strength - Newgate Prison, tidal loos, St Thomas's ward for unmarried mothers, libraries, completion of Westminster Abbey. He also was 2nd financier for Agincourt in 1415.

Dick was Mayor four times, and died in 1423. The Charity of Richard Whittington was set up, which operates to this day!

Tragically there was no cat, and the streets were unbelievably not paved with gold!

Peter Burton

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