Whittington Stone, Circa 15 Metres South Of The Junction With Magdala Avenue

Whittington Stone is a memorial stone located approximately 15 metres south of the junction with Magdala Avenue in Islington. It was erected in 1821, restored in 1935, and features a cat sculpture added in 1964. The stone is a segmental-headed slab made of Portland stone, set on a plinth. The inscription on the south-west side is now almost completely eroded, while the north-east side details the career of Sir Richard Whittington, a medieval merchant and City dignitary who lived from around 1354 to 1423, including his three terms as Lord Mayor of London. Atop the slab is a sculpture of a cat by Jonathan Kenworthy, crafted from polished black Kellymount limestone. The stone is surrounded by iron railings, which are oval in plan and feature spearhead finials and an overthrow. This memorial marks the legendary site associated with 'Dick Whittington,' where Sir Richard, returning home disheartened after a failed attempt to find fortune in the City, heard the bells of St Mary le Bow calling him back, saying, "Turn again Whittington, thrice Lord Mayor of London."