London mayors walk for charity

On a sunny Sunday morning, London’s mayors gathered in front of the Whittington Hospital in Highgate Hill for the annual Mayors’ Walk. The five-mile long charity journey, which fell on 1 March this year, follows the historic steps of Richard Whittington, medieval Lord Mayor of London and real-life inspiration for the folk tale Dick Whittington and His Cat, from Archway to Manor House.

The Pearly King and Pearly Prince of Finsbury, who represent the famous “pearlies”, or the London Pearly Kings and Queens Society, one of London’s oldest charities, accompanied the councillors.

Dressed in traditional ceremonial attire, including fur-trimmed red cloaks, black hats and heavy gold chains, the mayors began their passage by petting the statue of Dick Whittington’s cat. The group then made their way across Islington, passing places like Holloway and Nag’s Head.

The colourful procession made a lot of heads turn along the way and prompted many Londoners to get their cameras out. The mayors occasionally stopped for some pictures and quick chats with the locals.

Halfway through the journey, the mayors stopped at Islington Town Hall on Upper Street, where they were greeted by a band of Scottish Pipers, who then joined the mayors and accompanied them to the City of London, announcing their arrival.

Upon leaving Islington, the mayors passed St. Paul’s cathedral and made their way down Poultry to their final destination – Mansion House. Their arrival instantly conjured up a small crowd of passers-by, who enjoyed the scene until the members of the party moved inside the building.

The money raised as a result of the Mayors’ Walk will be donated to each mayor’s charity of choice.