Guildhall Library
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Thrice Mayor of London!
Dick Whittington is known to almost every child from the pantomime about the boy and his cat. It's less well known that Dick Whittington is based firmly in reality - Richard Whittington, the Lord Mayor of London, inspired the tale of the 'poor lad made good' who gets the girl. Richard Whittington wasn't originally a poor boy, but was the younger son of a gentleman, and he would not therefore inherit the estate. He journeyed to London to trade in cloth, and amassed a considerable fortune. He became a renowned philanthropist and financed the the rebuilding of the Guildhall, a ward for unmarried mothers at St Thomas' Hospital and drainage systems for areas around Billingsgate and Cripplegate.
After his death in 1423, at his request, his wealth was used to finance many more good causes. The rebuilding of Newgate Prison, the repair of St Bartholemew's Hospital and the installation of public drinking fountains to name but a few. And of course, he built the library in Guildhall - the forerunner of the present Guildhall Library)
Today, the Guildhall Library is administrated by the Corporation of London and is a major reference library specialising in the history of London, especially the City. This virtual tour shows the Guildhall Library at Aldermanbury in the City of London. Please click the thumbnail image below to view the fullscreen tour.
