Eton was founded in 1440 by King Henry VI as “Kynge’s College of Our Ladye of Eton besyde Windesore” to provide free education to 70 poor boys who would then go on to King’s College, Cambridge, which Henry founded 1441.

Poor boys????

The school flourished during the reign of George III (1760-1820). George spent much of his time at Windsor, frequently visiting the school and entertaining boys at Windsor Castle. The school in turn made George’s birthday, the Fourth of June, into a holiday. Though these celebrations now never fall on that day, Eton’s “Fourth of June”, marked by “speeches”, cricket, a procession of boats, and picnics on “Agar’s Plough” remains an important occasion in the school year.

1926

1938

1960s

2013

Standards seem to be slipping.

More attention to eating and drinking than boat races in this clip!

In the current Parliament, 29% of MPs were educated privately compared to about 7% of the population.

One in ten of the privately educated MPs went to Eton.

(The Sutton Trust)

Of the 54 British Prime Ministers to date, 19 were educated at Eton College,

(Wikipedia)

Currently fees at Eton College are an eye-watering £40,668  each year.

What would King Henry VI think of that?

Thanks for reading my blog today and hope you enjoy your 4th June too.