Eton College

The King's College of Our Lady of Eton beside Windsor, commonly known as Eton College or just Eton, is a public school (that is, an independent, fee-charging secondary school) for boys. It is located in Eton, Berkshire near Windsor in England, located about a mile north of Windsor Castle. It is one of the most famous schools in the world.

History

Eton College was founded in 1440 by Henry VI as a charity school to provide free education to seventy poor students who would then go on to King's College, Cambridge, which he also founded - in 1441. Henry VI took half the scholars and the headmaster from William of Wykeham's Winchester College (founded 1382). Eton is modelled on Winchester College, and became popular in the 17th century.

Related Topics:
1440 - Henry VI - King's College, Cambridge - 1441 - William of Wykeham's - Winchester College - 1382 - 17th century

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When Henry founded the school he granted it a huge number of endowments, including much valuable land, a plan for formidable buildings and several religious relics, supposedly including a part of the Holy Cross and the Crown of Thorns. He even persuaded the then Pope to grant a privilege unparalleled anywhere in England: the right to grant Indulgences to penitents on the Feast of the Assumption.

Related Topics:
Henry - Relics - Holy Cross - Crown of Thorns - Pope - Indulgences - Penitents - Feast of the Assumption

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However, when Henry was deposed by Edward IV in 1461 the successor annulled all grants to the school and removed most of its assets and treasures to St George's Chapel, Windsor on the other side of the river Thames. Tradition has it that Edward's mistress, Jane Shore, intervened on the school's behalf and was able to save much of the school, although the royal bequest and the number of staff were much reduced.

Related Topics:
Henry - Edward IV - 1461 - St George's Chapel, Windsor - Thames - Jane Shore

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As a result of the reduced income suffered at a stage when much of the school was still under construction, much of the completion and further development of the school ever since has depended on the generosity of wealthy benefactors. Many of these are honoured with school buildings in their name, such as the Bishop William Waynflete or Roger Lupton, whose name is borne by the central tower which is perhaps the most famous image of the school.

Related Topics:
Bishop William Waynflete - Roger Lupton

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In the 19th Century the architect John Shaw Junior (1803-1870) became surveyor to Eton and designed new parts of the college which helped provide better accommodation for the pupils. Images can be seen on a website in memory of Shaw - www.shaw-hardwick.co.uk

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It is often suggested that the Duke of Wellington claimed "The Battle of Waterloo was won on the playing-fields of Eton". The authenticity of this dictum is believed by some to be dubious: Wellington briefly attended Eton, for which he had no great love, in the late 18th century, when the school had no playing fields or organised team sports, and the phrase was first recorded three years after the Duke's death. The Duke was, however, wildly popular at Eton, visiting many times later in his life.

Related Topics:
Duke of Wellington - Battle of Waterloo - 18th century

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