Eton Under Hornby, Some Reminiscences and Reflections

Henry S. Salt

• Publisher: A. C. Fifield, London
• Published: 1907
• Length: 126
• Format: Hardback

Summary

A nostalgic yet critical reflection on Henry S. Salt’s time at Eton, Eton Under Hornby offers a unique perspective on one of the most famous schools in the world. Spanning Salt’s experiences both as a student and later as an assistant master during the late 19th century, this “stray sheaf of reminiscences” revisits the traditions, characters, and contradictions that defined the Eton of Salt’s youth.

With a love for his alma mater, Salt’s recollections are anything but saccharine. He expresses genuine affection for Eton while openly challenging its methods and customs, making this book an exploration of both youthful fondness and adult disillusionment. Salt critiques the conservative attachment to outdated traditions while acknowledging the joy and camaraderie that school days at Eton provided. His sharp wit and reflections on a school deeply entrenched in its ways highlight the tension between affection for the past and a desire for reform.

In this poignant farewell, Salt captures the essence of the “good old times” at Eton, while inviting readers to see beyond the institution’s romanticised image. Whether recounting the strictures of Dr. Hornby’s regime or reflecting on the unforgettable summer evenings by the river, Salt’s memoir serves as both a fond remembrance and a call to evolve. Eton Under Hornby is a heartfelt but thoughtful tribute to an institution seen through the eyes of a reformer who still holds his early memories dear.

By O. E. (Old Etonian)

Content

• Introductory: Alma Mater
• Hornby as Headmaster
• Anecdotes of Masters and Boys
• Anecdotes (continued)
• The Author of "Ionica"
• The Eton System of Education
• Religious Instruction
• Discipline
• Brawn versus Brain