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Catch-a-Mouse Inn

The Dick Whittington Legend
Orphan Dick goes to London where “streets are paved with gold” becoming a kitchen boy at Mr Fitzwarren’s. He buys a cat for a penny, from shoe shining. His rich master’s ship is ready to sail and a sad Dick donates his cat for the voyage - and then runs away from the cruel cook. But the Bow Bells seem to ring out, “Turn again Whittington, thrice Lord Mayor of London”...

When Dick goes back the ship has returned, with riches from the King of Barbary whose palace was rid of rats by his cat. In one version Dick gets the cat back. Then he marries Alice Fitzwarren and is Lord Mayor thrice. 

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Hazle Ceramics
Catch-a-Mouse
Limited Painting of 20
on London Tavern

20th Anniversary
By Carol Whaley

UK/Europe £79.50
Rest of World £69.13

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Richard Whittington 1350-1423
RW was not a poor orphan but did go to London c1379 and became a wealthy mercer dealing in velvets and silks. He did marry an Alice Fitzwarren - and founded several charities. RW was Sheriff in 1393 then the Mayor (City of London governor) under King Richard II in 1397-9, Henry IV from 1406-7 and Henry V in 1416-1420. He lent money to all three Kings! RW was also an MP from 1416. Today The (Worshipful) Mercers’ Company distributes his and others’ money.

 Whittington Stone memorial at foot of Highgate Hill.
1989 postal stamps cover for the Lord Mayors of London 800th Anniversary, with Dick Whittington and his cat. 