Career
He held from 1189 until his death in 1212. Fitz-Ailwin came to power at a time of unrest between Richard I and the City of London. Richard demanded increased taxes and took out several loans from London"s merchants to pay for his foreign wars.
In return for this finance, the aldermen and merchants of London were granted a degree of autonomy which resulted in the creation of the post of Mayor.
Previously, the City had been governed by a portreeve, who was an officer of the crown. The City was granted more powers to self-rule in a charter issued by Richard"s successor John.
William de Hardel, the Mayor in 1215, was the only commoner to witness the Magna Carta. London was much afflicted by fire in the eleventh and twelfth century.
According to City tradition, in 1189 Fitz-Ailwin introduced regulations that provided for settling boundary disputes between neighbours and for encouraging the use of stone in building.
Fitz-Ailwin was succeeded as Mayor by Roger Fitzalan.