Eton, in Berkshire, is most well know for its prestigious boys’ school – Eton College, which has had its home there for nearly six centuries. However, there is more to this town that makes it a popular tour attraction choice. Eton is located on the opposite side of the River Thames to Windsor. In fact, the origin of its name is from the Old English for 'River-Town'. A beautifully scenic area, the town is connected to Windsor by the centuries old Windsor Bridge which has been pedestrianised since 1970 to preserve it.
Of course, the town is most famous for its school where the boys are still dressed in the traditional black tail coats. Eton College opened its doors in 1440, by Henry VI, and was originally intended to provide free education to poor boys via a scholarship from a fund awarded by the King.
Eton has educated aristocracy, world leaders and British prime ministers earning it the title 'the nurse of England's statesmen.'
The popularity of the school grew and today it is one of the most prestigious public schools in the world and has produced a wealth of notable alumni from royalty such as our Princes William and Harry, politicians Boris Johnson and David Cameron, actors Eddie Redmayne and Tom Hiddleston, author Ian Fleming to historical figures such as the 1st Duke of Wellington and poet Percy Bysshe Shelley.
Eton is also a great area to visit for its shopping. It is renowned for its antique and art shops as we its cross section of smaller family run business which offer a range of goods from jewellery and gifts to book shops and haute couture. Of course, there are also shopping centres to visit with the usual high street stores and there are also plenty of cafes and restaurants to keep you fuelled ready for more shopping!
Eton College is not just famous for its educational prowess and celebrity alumni. What also draws many people to tour this establishment is the beautiful buildings and architecture. When it was founded in 1440 King Henry VI intended the buildings to be unrivalled in all of Europe, for example he intended the chapel nave to have 18 bays which would have made it the longest nave on the continent, however when Edward IV ascended to the throne he took away a lot of Eton’s grants and treasures (like a piece of the True Cross) and transferred them to Windsor Castle. Thus the school chapel only has 8 bays, still a breathtaking and beautiful structure but not the image that Henry VI intended!
The rest of the college is equally beautiful with many beautiful features to look around, even the schoolyard is an impressive sight with Lupton’s Tower in the background and a bronze statue of Henry VI in its centre. The library too is a beautiful late Edwardian building which was designed as a memorial to the Old Etonians who lost their lives in the Boer War.
Eton Mess is a delicious dessert that is believed to have originated at Eton College, it was first mentioned in print in 1893 and is still served at their annual cricket match against Harrow School.
It is made of a mixture of strawberries, meringue and whipped cream and is a sumptuously decadent delight!
There are many good quality places to eat in Eton including Cote - a modern French Brasserie set right on the river serving regional specialities and traditional classics. The High Street's George Inn is a traditional Georgian pub and the flagship of the Windsor & Eton Brewery. Food is sourced locally and there's always a good selection of beers available. British pub food is served at the 16th century Watermans Arms and the historic Crown & Cushion Inn is also popular. Fancy a cocktail? Then the Eton Mess cocktail bar is for you. They provide small plates of food too.
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