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.
The History of Eton Blue
Incidentally one of the traditions that survives to this day is that the VIII and the XI are both entitled to wear white 'ducks' (white cotton trousers as opposed to flannel) with their school dress on certain occasions, including their house group photos.
After 1860, starting with their Field colours (scarlet and light blue) the other school sides adopted light blue as part of their colours. The issue that has occupied the minds of many Old Etonian (OE) experts over the years is, as to what is Eton Blue.
One has to factor in several streams of information and tangible evidence to paint the picture. Until this year a myriad of Eton Blue iterations abounded, based on old colour prints, Cambridge Blue, faded scarves, shirts and caps owned by the school and OE's alike. These had been stored over many years either in sunlight or damp conditions which had led to fading and discolouration making the job of interpretation harder still to nail down.
To the rescue came E.C. Devereux's wonderful book on Eton Colours, the 'Bible' of all things to do with colours at Eton, from which a colour was arrived at, taken from the various colour plates as representative of all.
Eton accpeted the colour proposed by New & Lingwood and has now officially adopted Pantone 7464c as the chosen colour.
More Stories
Dames vs Tutors
With the exception of the seventy Collegers who were housed by Eton School, all Oppidans lived in boarding houses run by either Dames or their male counterparts Domines, right up to the late 18th Century.
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'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.