Citizen of London: Richard Whittington - The Boy Who Would Be Mayor

by Michael McCarthy

Overview

This book brings to life the extraordinary story of Richard Whittington, from his arrival in London as a young boy to his death in 1423, against a backdrop of plague, political instability and war; turbulence between Crown, City and Commons; and the financial demands of three kings, to whom Whittington was mercer, lender and fixer.

Whittington was a man determined to follow his own path, in life and in death, and a significant figure in London's ceaseless development. As an entrepreneur, common councillor, Collector of the Wool Custom, King's Council member and four-time mayor, Whittington figured prominently in the rise of the capital's merchant class and powerful livery Companies. A leading voice for social reform, a bulwark against corruption and a figure of largesse, he contributed to Henry V's victory at Agincourt and even oversaw building works at Westminster Abbey. In London, Whittington found his 'second' family: a mentor in Sir Ivo Fitzwarin, and a wife and inspiration in Fitzwarin's daughter Alice.

Since the mid-1600s, millions have enjoyed Dick Whittington pantomimes. There is a grain of truth in them, but the real story is far more compelling. Though minus that sadly mythical cat.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781787387911
Publisher:	Hurst
Publication date:	12/15/2022
Pages:	424
Product dimensions:	6.60(w) x 9.30(h) x 1.80(d)

About the Author

Michael McCarthy PhD lectured in politics before a career in development and regeneration of rural economies and historic estates. His books include Campaigning for the Poor; The New Politics of Welfare; and A History of Their Making. Formerly visiting professor at Bournemouth University, he has written for Political Quarterly.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements xv

Foreword xix

Introduction 1

1 Home 11

2 Whittington 19

3 Departure 29

4 To London 37

5 Leadenhall 45

6 Connections 51

7 First Day 57

8 Plague 67

9 A Numbers Game 75

10 Recovery 81

11 London's Merchant Class 89

12 Mercers 99

13 Pollution 109

14 Osmosis 115

15 Apprentice 125

16 From Good to Bad 133

17 Interest Group Politics 139

18 Arrival 149

19 Revolt 157

20 At Court 161

21 Mercer Rising 173

22 The Company 185

23 The Mayoralty 195

24 Self-perpetuation 203

25 Eyes on Heaven 213

26 Twice Mayor 221

27 Circles 237

28 New King, New Century 251

29 Pulse of the Nation? 261

30 Marriage 273

31 Three Times Mayor 283

32 Pestilence and Ice 289

33 Loss 297

34 New Purpose 311

35 Four Times Mayor 323

36 Citizen of London 331

Postscript: A Life Beyond 347

Notes 351

Bibliography 391

Index 407

Editorial Reviews

"A masterly London biography, surely the last word on a man, a myth—and a cat." — Simon Jenkins, Guardian columnist, and author of A Short History of England

"Michael McCarthy has rescued "Dick" Whittington from the pantomime! 'Oh yes he has!' Crafting the history of Whittington's moral and social compass shown through his civic action, this book establishes his rightful place in the social and political history of British social welfare." — Jonathan Parker, Professor of Society & Social Welfare, Bournemouth University

"McCarthy's book explodes several comfortable myths. His Dick Whittington is a far cry from the familiar panto character: a successful (though often controversial) politician and immensely rich businessman. Less a biography of Whittington, and more a densely written portrait of an era, and especially the politics and economy of London at a crucial moment in its history." — Nick Higham, former BBC News correspondent, and author of The Mercenary River—Private Greed, Public Good: A History of London's Water

"A compelling read. McCarthy's deep research delivered with verve and pace forensically details the facts beneath the Whittington myth. And, as so often, truth beats fiction. This is a vade mecum to statesmanship, both mediaeval and modern, and a case study in the ethical bridging of the private sector and public service. Financier to three kings, including Henry V, protector of the people from abuse, city planner and developer, his philanthropic endowment continues 600 years after his death. Whittington's understanding of the power of liquidity, with his adaptability, trust and probity are all object lessons for public effectiveness today. And most important of all, McCarthy's assiduous curiosity does not, quite, kill the revered cat." — John Campbell OBE, Chair of Campbell Lutyens, and author of Haldane: The Forgotten Statesman Who Shaped Modern Britain

"It's time to turn again to the tale of Richard Whittington, the man and mayor, a life bound up so closely with the business, politics and society of London at a time of change—all vividly captured by McCarthy in this fascinating and entertaining account of a figure who continues to capture the imagination and whose charitable legacy survives to this day." — Vincent Keaveny, Lord Mayor of the City of London

"I felt that I had been guided around all the nooks and crannies of medieval London and shown the daily lives, pastimes, rules and regulations, ambitions and differing fortunes of its citizens, embodied in the life of Richard Whittington. An erudite, enjoyable, and illuminating read." — Elizabeth Chadwick, historical novelist

"There are few more memorable stories of social mobility, enlightened entrepreneurship, civic leadership and inspiring philanthropy than Dick Whittington's. Michael McCarthy has provided perhaps the definitive account of his remarkable legacy along all these fronts, one which is as much a parable for the present as for the past." — Andy Haldane, former Chief Economist, Bank of England, and Head of the Levelling Up Taskforce

"A remarkable story. Forget the cat: look at what Dick Whittington achieved in the City of London, for the crowning military triumph of Agincourt and his own legacy benefiting millions. I hope Citizen of London, through its vivid picture of the early 15th century, will resonate today and inspire new generations." — Richard Graham, Conservative MP for Gloucester

From the Publisher