An engraving of Richard Whittington (1354-1423) by W.L.Thomas from the 1800s, based on an earlier engraving by Reginald Elstrack.
On the evening of Monday 7 December 2026, join City of London Guide & Lecturer Jill Finch for History at The Hall – Dick Whittington: The Man, The Myth (and The Cat)
For a very special festive edition of History at The Hall, we’re ‘turning again’ to look at one of the City of London’s most famous citizens - Dick Whittington.
Merchant, money lender, Liveryman of the Mercers, Sheriff, and Lord Mayor of London (succeeding Goldsmith Adam Bamme), he dealt with Kings, governed a City, became a legendary philanthropist and the star of one of our most loved Pantos!
Was he a poor boy? Did he have a cat? Which bells rang out to tell him he would be Lord Mayor? Did he really give London its first public toilet?
Find out on on Monday 7 December 2026, when City of London Guide & Lecturer Jill Finch will separate fact from fiction education us on the man behind the myth, and exploring how he is remembered 600 years after his death.
Rest assured, theres more to Dick Whittington than the pantomime would suggest (Oh yes there is!).
Tickets for History at The Hall – Dick Whittington: The Man, The Myth (and The Cat) are priced at £15 per person and include light refreshments (wine, soft drinks and nibbles) after the talk.
Members of the Company (Freemen, Liverymen, Members of The Court) must log in to the Member’s Portal to book their tickets.
Doors will open at 17:15 to give attendees the chance to see our current exhibition ahead of a prompt 18:00 start.
About the speaker
A Londoner by love rather than birth, Jill Finch’s particular interest lies in the literary heritage of London, St Paul’s Cathedral and the City churches of Christopher Wren; her walks cover the City, Covent Garden, East London, Bloomsbury and Wapping.
Qualifying in 2013 as an Associate of the Institute of Tourist Guiding, a City of London Guide & Lecturer and an official guide in St Paul’s Cathedral; Jill also guides in the Guildhall Art Gallery and the church of All Hallows’ by the Tower
She gives regular walks & talks for the City’s Guildhall Library, the London Archives, Friends of the City Churches and various historical societies and U3A organisations in and around London.
Jill Finch
Terms & Conditions
Tickets for History at The Hall – Dick Whittington : The Man, The Myth (and The Cat) include a glass of wine or a soft drink, and are non refundable
Members of the Company (Freemen, Liverymen, Members of The Court) are able to book up to four (4) tickets at a 50% discount through the Member’s Portal.
Tickets must be booked in the name of the person who is attending - photo ID that matches the name on the booking will be required to gain entry.
Security & bag policy
Goldsmiths’ Hall operates Airport style enhanced security procedures for all public events - these include a bag scanner and a security arch. Suitcases and items larger than a laptop bag are not permitted inside the building. Unmanned cloakroom facilities will be provide free of charge for coats, bags and umbrellas.
Disabled access to Goldsmiths’ Hall
Due to building works currently being undertaken at Goldsmiths’ Hall, we currently do not have step-free access into the building.
If you have any concerns or questions about visiting the building, please email info@thegoldsmiths.co.uk
The public rooms of Goldsmiths’ Hall are located on the first floor, and can be accessed by lift from within the ground floor lobby.