The Whittington Stone

The place where Dick Whittington had a change of heart.

Location: Highgate Hill, Archway, London

Description: Here, near the foot of Highgate Hill is the famous Whittington stone, which is supposed to mark the point where Dick Whittington, on his way out of London, heard the sound of bow bells chiming 'turn again' and decided to return to the city.

The present sculpted cat on the top of the stone was not added until the 20th-century.

AMONG THE MANY LEGENDS that surround Old Highgate and Hampstead, there is an old belief that if Whittington's Stone is ever removed (from the original spot where Dick Whittington turned once more toward London) or if any harm should befall it, great change and disaster will fall upon the neighbouring area.

Of course, this myth is probably based upon the fact that the Stone is one of Highgate's oldest landmarks, and therefore, it would naturally be bad luck to remove it, but if the present mania for redevelopment continues, this old assumption could well prove to be correct.

There is an old belief that if Whittington's Stone is ever removed or if any harm should befall it, great change and disaster will fall upon the neighbouring area.

Themes: Sculpture Sculpture Theme