Eton
Eton is a small town in Berkshire, located on the Thames, just across the river from Windsor. There is very little parking in Eton, so it's best to leave your car parked in Windsor and walk across the fine old Georgian iron bridge (1821).
Eton Bridge © Travel About Britain
The town grew up around its famous private school, founded in 1440 by Henry VI. The narrow High Street is a mix of 18th-c red brick and much older timber-framed buildings, now occupied by restaurants, antiques emporiums and book shops. Eton boys can often be seen walking around the town wearing the school's traditional uniform of tails and high collars.
Eton College © Travel About Britain
The collage buildings take up one side of the High Street and visitors can wander through parts of the grounds at certain times. The College Chapel, School Yard and the Cloisters (including its museums) can also be visited. The College Hall, Chapel and the kitchen survive from the original buildings, although the rest is 15th-c. The Upper School was built around 1690.
The school has produced a plethora of famous public figures over the years, including future monarchs, prime ministers, actors, writers, sportsmen, politicians and several famous military officers, including the Duke of Wellington.
Many prominent scholars, such as Shelley and Gladstone, have left a lasting mark here - by carving their names on the desks and oak panelling!
The Museum of Eton Life, in the Cloisters, covers the history of the college from its creation to present day.
Map of Eton
South East England
