Eton College

Eton College was founded in 1440 by King Henry VI to provide free education for 70 poor scholars who would then go on to further their education at King’s College, Cambridge. Life in the early days was harsh: the boys had to wash outside using only cold water. From these 70 scholars, the school has expanded to about 1,307 boys aged from 13 to 18 who are admitted by competitive examination, and has become one of the most well known schools in the world.

Eton has educated 18 former British Prime Ministers including the Duke of Wellington, Walpole, Pitt the Elder, MacMillan and Douglas-Home. The School Dress, which dates from the 1850s, still consists of a black tailcoat and waistcoat and pin-striped trousers.

Short guided tours for individuals, of around an hour in duration, are arranged at 14.00 and 15.15 on some Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, and daily during Eton's holidays. Pre-booking is essential for everyone. School groups can only be acceped during Eton College's holidays.

The Eton College Gift Shop, situated on Eton High Steet, a few steps and opposite from the main entrance to the College, is open March-December between 11.00-15.30 and stocks gifts, clothing and souvenirs bearing the college coat of arms and at present has a video showing the boys life at school today, which may be of interest.

Tour tickets for Eton College can be purchased from The Royal Windsor Information Centre (in Windsor Royal Shopping) or from the Eton College Gift Shop.