Dick Whittington 600
14th March 2023St Michael Paternoster Royal
In presence of the representative Lord Mayor, Alderman Sir David Wootton, The Vintry and Dowgate Wards Club organised A Service of Thanksgiving for the life and benefaction of Richard Whittington, who died 600 years ago in 1423. He lived in the City in College Hill, now within Dowgate Ward. He worshipped and was a benefactor of St Michael Paternoster Royal and was buried in the church where there is a commemorative plaque.
The Sermon was given by Rt Hon and Rt Revd Dame Sarah Mullally, Bishop of London and The Venerable Fr Luke Miller, Archdeacon of London, contributed to the service.
Presentations from Prof Caroline Barron and Prof Carolyn Roberts followed – Dick Whittington 4 times Mayor of London, Master of the Worshipful Company of Mercers, known for his philanthropy and, amongst other civic projects, he worked to improve the hygiene and cleanliness of the River Thames…and paid for the erection of a substantial privy in Cheapside, a 64 x 2 holer – the ‘longhouse’ using river tides to flush the system. What a legend he was!