Dick Whittington and his cat have become regular fixtures at British pantomimes each year. A popular story that has graced stages since the lifetime of 17th century diarist Samuel Pepys, it tells of a poor boy leaving his home in Gloucestershire for London to make his fortune.
Whittington faces setbacks but upon hearing the Bow Bells toll, returns to London accompanied by his trusty cat and ultimately becomes Mayor of London.
Yet the story of Whittington is not quite the rags to riches tale we are familiar with today. Richard ‘Dick’ Whittington, the true subject of the pantomime, was born into the landed gentry during the 14th century and rose to prominence as a merchant before assuming the role of Mayor of London.
Medieval merchant, figure of folklore, pantomime favourite and Mayor of London: who was Dick Whittington?
