Following the fascinating talk at the BRA Conference last November ‘We will play with a ball full of wynde’: sport at Eton since the 15th century’ which was given by Eleanor Hoare, Eton College Archivist, the BRA has arranged a visit to the College.
Eton College was founded by King Henry VI in 1440 for the education of 70 King’s Scholars. In addition to the King’s Scholars housed in ‘College’, there are now over 1200 ‘Oppidan’ boys at the school in 24 other boarding houses, making Eton the largest boarding school for boys in the United Kingdom. The College Archives are a rich record of Eton’s history, and include the founding charters and statutes, accounts from the 1440s to the present and records of the College’s estates, as well as documentation of King’s Scholars from 1660 and of all schoolboys from 1791.
On display in 18th College Library, will be a selection of treasures from the archives, Eleanor will give an introduction to the collections and the documents on display, as well as answer questions. Then, if time permits, there will be a chance to see some of the College itself. Space is limited so a maximum of 30, members only, may attend. The cost will be £12 per person – cash or cheque in advance or on the day – please email info@britishrecordsassociation.org.uk to book. Closing date to apply is June 10th and the sooner you book the more likely that you will be to get a place.
It should be noted that there is no step free access to the Library. There is a lift which cuts out the vast majority of the steps, but there will still be two or three steps to negotiate.
Event is now open to ALL.
Eton Collage image: “Reproduced by permission of the Provost and Fellows of Eton College”
