Tails and Stick-Ups
It seems quite remarkable today, given the inseparable link between Eton and tails, that there was a time comparatively recently, that this was not the case.
Dames Vs Tutors
“In old times the houses in which Oppidans lived were presided over by Ladies called ‘Dames’.
Why were men called ‘Dames’?
The definition of a Tutor was an Assistant Master who taught Classics, those who didn’t were simply Assistant Masters. When it came to running houses, Classics Masters’ houses were called ‘Tutor’s’ and non-Classics Masters’ houses were called ‘Dame’s’, a hangover from the past.
In the 1790s, Assistant Masters began to go into competition with the boarding houses, by starting their own houses. As they were the Headmaster’s assistants, they had some authority over the arrangements and limited their number. As the leases came up for renewal, more and more Assistant Masters petitioned for the houses, including those who were not Tutors, something the school encouraged. These non-Classics Masters had less authority than the ‘Tutors’ and didn’t begin to achieve parity until 1858 when Masters from the mathematical school and others were allowed academic dress in church and school, all equal at last.
The move by the School was to gradually bring all the boarding houses into their control, so that by the later half of the 19th Century all holders of boarding houses who did not teach Classics were called Dames.
The final death knell for the Dames was when the School refused to renew leases to anyone other than a member of the teaching staff. Of course none of this made any difference to the boys, who were either in a ‘Tutors’ or a ‘Dames’ house.
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The History of Pop Society
Pop, more properly known as the Eton society and reserved for elite prefects, has been known to include some of the most charming and popular students. In its prime, it was the ultimate networking tool and could open the most incredible doors. Over the years, its power and priveleges have grown.
The Origin of the Field Colours
When the Field Colours were created in the Michaelmas Half of 1860, they were meant as a joke. Philip Norman, a member of the 1859 team recounted this story.
The History of Eton Blue
it is only recently that Eton has decided their school colour. How it was arrived at is a matter of conjecture and myth with several stories in circulation.
The History of Eton's 4th June Celebrations
The origins of the 4th of June date back to the late part of the 18th Century to celebrate the birthday of George III, one Eton School’s greatest patrons.