The event will take place on April 19 at 10.15, as part of the annual Whittington Walk.
Beginning at the historic Whittington Stone in Archway, north London, the route retraces the journey taken by Richard Whittington into the City of London, as told in the well-known legend.
According to the tale, Whittington turned back to London after hearing the bells of St Mary-le-Bow, later becoming Lord Mayor three times.
The stone has recently undergone restoration thanks to funding from Islington Council and the Heritage of London Trust, with additional support from the Englefield Charitable Trust.
The project included repairs to the monument, recutting and repainting of inscriptions, and refurbishment of the surrounding railings.
Work was carried out by SSH Conservation.
Children marking the stone (Image: Heritage of London Trust)
Ian Payne, chairman of the London Mayors’ Association, said: “The Whittington Stone is a much-loved part of London’s story, and it is a privilege to see it being carefully restored for future generations. The annual walk is a wonderful tradition that connects the City’s leadership with its history, and it is inspiring to see so many young people engaging with that heritage through this project.”
More than 150 young people contributed to the project through the Proud Places programme, taking part in creative workshops and meeting conservators.
Many found inspiration in Whittington’s story of perseverance, including 11-year-old Amen from St John’s Upper Holloway C of E School. Amen said: “Dick Whittington inspired me by not giving up on the first go but kept on going until he succeeded.”
The final installation steps of the Whittington Stone (Image: Heritage of London Trust)
Isla, also 11, from the same school, said: “It felt amazing to be at the Whittington Stone and have a go at the painting. I love cats so much and when I saw the statue it was so good.
“It looked so cute. My favourite part was seeing the cat and I didn’t know it could bring good luck. Dick Whittington has a great story.”
A wayfaring stone originally stood nearby to guide travellers and was later linked to Whittington’s legend. The current monument was erected in 1821.
In 1964, sculptor Jonathan Kenworthy added a cat to the stone, now a beloved feature of Archway’s heritage and a symbol of luck for many, including patients at Whittington Hospital.
Years of weathering had made the inscriptions difficult to read and left the railings in poor condition. A new interpretation panel will also be installed to help visitors understand the history and significance of the landmark.
Sam Guthrie, museum and archives manager at Islington Council, said: “It’s been fantastic to work with Heritage of London Trust to protect and preserve this special piece of our heritage.
“It’s good to remember those parts of our history which unite us as a local community and as a wider nation, it is a story many of us grew up with. Whittington’s legend has inspired generations of children and long may that continue.”
This small stone continues to capture the public imagination, testament to the enduring power of stories passed down through generations.
