Alice FitzWarin was a woman of great historical significance during the late medieval period. She was married to Dick Whittington, the famous Lord Mayor of London and merchant from Wantage. Her husband’s success as a businessman and leader made her an influential figure in her own right.
Alice was born around 1386 to Sir Fulk FitzWarin and Margaret de Berkeley, an English noble family with strong ties to the powerful Berkeley family. As such, Alice enjoyed a privileged upbringing, although her father died when she was still very young, leaving her mother to take care of her.
In 1406, Alice married Dick Whittington at St Mary Redcliffe Church in Bristol, England. Together they had three children – Giles, Agnes and Muriel. The marriage between Alice and Dick had a major impact on his professional life; he used his wife’s influence and connections to gain access to important political circles which assisted in advancing his career as a successful merchant and politician.
Alice accompanied Dick on all of his commercial ventures throughout Europe and even became involved in running their business affairs together on some occasions. She also played an integral role in supporting him during his tenure as Lord Mayor of London from 1406-1419. During this time she acted as a go-between for Dick with foreign dignitaries who visited the city and helped him manage the city’s finances.
Alice FitzWarin is remembered as an influential figure whose support for her husband helped propel him to become one of England’s most successful businessmen and politicians of the era. She will always be remembered for her impressive intelligence, resilience, courage and devotion – qualities which rivalled any man of that time period!
