He became an apprentice in the mercers' trade—a wealthy and powerful guild dealing in luxury cloth and textiles. Over time, Whittington developed a successful business supplying the royal court and nobility with fine goods, which brought him substantial wealth and royal favor. His financial acumen and loyalty to the Crown enabled him to act as a moneylender to monarchs such as Richard II and Henry IV.
Whittington was elected Lord Mayor of London three times: in 1397, 1406, and 1419, and served briefly as mayor a fourth time in 1419, after the death of his successor. In his time, the position was not ceremonial—it carried immense political and economic authority over the growing metropolis. Whittington also served as a sheriff, a Member of Parliament, and held other civic duties. His governance was marked by fiscal responsibility, administrative skill, and deep concern for the city’s welfare.
A Real-Life Legacy of Generosity
One of the most enduring aspects of the pantomime legend is the sense of Whittington as a man of the people—a figure who used his fortune for the good of others. In truth, this element of the story has strong historical grounding.
Whittington was a renowned philanthropist. In his will and through his lifetime giving, he funded public works and institutions that greatly benefited Londoners. Among his gifts were:
- A public toilet known as “Whittington’s Longhouse,” which could accommodate over 100 people.
- A college for priests and an almshouse for the poor.
- The rebuilding of part of Newgate Prison with humane reforms.
- Water supply improvements and drainage projects.
- Contributions to St. Michael Paternoster Royal, the church where he was buried.
His charitable foundations continued to operate long after his death in 1423, and the charity named after him—The Whittington Charity—exists to this day, supporting London-based philanthropic causes. shutdown123