The  Whittington Stone marks where the place on Highgate Hill in Islington where history and legend intersect. It celebrates the story of Dick Whittington, a fictional character inspired by the real Richard Whittington (c.1354–1423), who, upon leaving London discouraged after a disastrous attempt to make his fortune in the City, reached Highgate Hill when he then 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!

 

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 throughout Archway, including the nearby Whittington Hospital and visitors to the hospital often pet and stroke the cat for good luck before entering.

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Young people have visited the stone as part of Proud Places visits, learning about its history and seeing the restoration work happening. They were able to speak to the conservators and ask lots of questions, even having a go at letter painting themselves. 

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They have also taken part in various creative workshops, including making paper pop-ups of the Whittingstone and mini clay sculptures of the stone and its cat.

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Young people have taken inspiration from Dick Wittington’s story of perseverance, including Anneliese, age 9 from St Joseph's Catholic Primary School. She recounted his story at the unveiling of the restored stone to all the Mayors of London.