Richard Whittington

Arms of Richard Whittington: Gules, a fess chequy or and azure in the dexter chief an annulet or, the annulet being a difference of his paternal arms. As formerly visible sculpted within a quatrefoil on the Library of the Greyfriars, founded by him

Richard Whittington (c. 1354 – March 1423) of the parish of St Michael Paternoster Royal, City of London, was an English merchant and politician of the late medieval period. He is also the real-life inspiration for the English folk tale Dick Whittington and His Cat. He was four times (appointed once, elected three times) Lord Mayor of London, a member of parliament and a Sheriff of London. In his lifetime he financed a number of public projects, such as drainage systems in poor areas of London, and a hospital ward for unmarried mothers. He bequeathed his fortune to form the Charity of Sir Richard Whittington which, over 600 years later, continues to assist people in need.

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