SCHOOL-LIFE AT WINCHESTER COLLEGE

A “HOT” AT FOOT BALL

THE COMMONERS HAVE RED AND THE COLLEGE BOYS BLUE JERSEYS.

SCHOOL-LIFE
AT
WINCHESTER COLLEGE;
OR,
The Reminiscences of a Winchester Junior
UNDER THE OLD RÉGIME, 1835-40.

WITH A GLOSSARY OF WORDS, PHRASES, AND CUSTOMS,
PECULIAR TO WINCHESTER COLLEGE.

By ROBERT BLACHFORD MANSFIELD,
AUTHOR OF
“THE LOG OF THE WATER-LILY,” “THE WATER-LILY ON THE DANUBE,” ETC. ETC.

THIRD EDITION.

LONDON:
DAVID NUTT, 270-71 STRAND.
P. & G. WELLS, WINCHESTER.
1893.

PREFACE TO THIRD EDITION.

A.D. 1893 being the quincentennial anniversary of our glorious foundation, an enterprising publisher has undertaken to bring out a third edition of this sketch of the life of a Winchester Junior in the dark ages of 1835-40. Thirty years have elapsed since the book was originally written, twenty since the second edition was brought out, and fifty-seven since I first became a Wykehamist.

No one is more aware than myself how entirely devoid of literary merit is this little book; but as it is a true and faithful account of the state of the school under a system that has long been superseded, any interest that it may have must increase from year to year, as the times of which it treats become more distant, and the manners and customs which it depicts present a greater contrast to those of the present day. Except in the last chapter, which I have rewritten, there is but little difference between this and the previous editions, firstly because I have nothing to add or alter in my record, and secondly, because the work being stereotyped, considerable expense would have been incurred by altering all those passages which, written in 1862, allude to the then existence of Dr. Moberly, the state of Meads, and Antechapel at that date, &c., &c., which the reader can correct for himself, but which do not in any way affect the object of the work, viz., the economy of the school in 1835-40.

The representation of “a Hot” by Mr. Holmes gives an excellent idea of that peculiar feature of the game of football as played at Winchester at the date of which I write. The other pictures by Mr. Garland sufficiently well represent the architectural features of the College, but justice is scarcely done to the figures of the boys, who did not go through their labours and amusements in such rigid style as might be inferred from their figures and attitudes as here represented. The cuts in the Glossary would also have been more effective if the artist (not Mr. Garland) had ever seen a Winchester scholar in his peculiar costume.

The sweeping changes that commenced during my school-days were mainly owing to the initiative of Charles Wordsworth, the late lamented Bishop of St. Andrews, as distinguished at Oxford for his scholarship and as a theologian as he was for his supreme excellence in cricket, rowing, tennis, skating, and all athletic exercises. He had been appointed to the office of Second Master one half year before I came as a boy, and, with the willing assistance of the beloved Warden, Barter, and the Head-Master, speedily began to make many much-needed changes in the arrangements, which have made Winchester equal, if not superior, to any other public school as regards the comfort and wellbeing of the boys, and worthy of its glorious reputation for five hundred years.

I take this opportunity of expressing my great gratification at the success of the book, and to express my thanks to my numerous correspondents for their flattering letters. Wykehamists of every standing have expressed their interest in this account of the manners and customs of the School in times past, and those of my own have testified to its accuracy. From India and America I have received most interesting letters from old school-fellows, who had discovered from internal evidence the personality of the writer. In one quarter alone have I met with adverse criticism. I was accused (shortly after the publication of the first edition) by “The Wykehamist” (a monthly publication, edited by the boys at Winchester) of having been actuated by a feeling of ill-will towards the School, and of untruth. How such an idea as the former could have been gathered from the book I am at a loss to conceive, and when it was first published the only merit that I knew it possessed was its truth. And now I have the best public testimony to my veracity;—a cotemporary, Mr. Gould Adams, who, in the preface to his charming book “Wykehamica” (a work which should be one of “the hundred books” possessed by every Wykehamist), states that he has been indebted for some of the materials for his work to “my very truthful picture of the Winchester of my day.”

The Bishop of St. Andrews, who kindly allowed me to use his engravings of the “Trusty Servant,” and of the large tablet at the west end of school with the inscription “Aut disce,” &c.; Mr. Mackenzie Walcot, who permitted me to use the cut of the old Commoners Buildings that appeared in his work on Winchester College, and my cousin, Mr. Elliot Blackstone, of New College and the British Museum, who greatly assisted me in bringing out the first edition, when I was abroad, have all passed away. But I must again (for the third time) give vent to my feelings of gratitude to the Rev. H. Moberly for answering the many questions I troubled him with, and to my cousin, the Rev. Algernon Simeon, for his valuable assistance in compiling the slang glossary, and to Mr. Wrench for the very great assistance he has rendered me in supplying me with information as to the alterations in the manners and customs of the School, which I have embodied in the last chapter.

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER I.
INTRODUCTION.

It is now nearly half a century since, full of hope and spirits, I made my appearance at Winchester College, when I entered the gates, proud of my position as the junior Wykehamist; and more than forty years have elapsed since I doffed my gown, and stepped forth into the outer world.

Times have changed since then, and perhaps in no place are the changes more marked than in the old school. I was there at a remarkable period, as, during my residence, important and much required improvements and alterations were commenced in the system of internal economy, discipline, and education, which have continually advanced to the present day, till at last, in the opinion of some who are well fitted to form a judgment, the operation has been so roughly carried on, that, together with the customs that required extirpation, some institutions have been rooted up which might as well have been allowed to remain.

Among the more beneficial changes I may mention the amelioration of the fagging system, from which many of the asperities were removed while I was in the position most capable of appreciating the benefit, and which since my departure has been still further improved. I consider mitigated fagging a valuable institution, and I think on this subject I can speak with authority, as when I entered I was junior in College, and during the whole five years that I was there I was always a fag, never having sufficiently advanced in the school to taste the sweets of power. When I went to Winchester the life of a junior was not made very pleasant to him for the first year or two. I attribute this principally to the following causes:—First and foremost, to the brutality of one or two boys; if any such now exist, as there were in my time, (which I doubt,) their opportunities and power of cruelty are so curtailed, and the feeling against such proceedings both abroad and in the school so much stronger, that their evil influence is reduced to a minimum. Secondly, to the monstrous system of fagging at dinner-time, and the atrocities therewith connected; the whole of which has been absolutely done away with. And, lastly, to the unlimited extent to which watching out at cricket, and kicking in at football, was carried; the former of which has now been reduced within reasonable limits, and the latter entirely abolished.

Some of my friends have expressed themselves amused with such of my school experiences as I have occasionally recited to them, and have from time to time urged me to publish them. I do not think I should ever have carried out the suggestion, had not circumstances occurred which induced me, in 1860, to take up my quarters at Winchester for some weeks, when I was naturally led to frequent my old haunts; and this brought many long-forgotten scenes, thoughts, faces, and words so vividly to my recollection, that I found a real pleasure and interest in noting them down. Whether any one will take either pleasure or interest in reading my notes when published, is perhaps doubtful; yet I know that, when I was a boy at College, we were eager for any information about the former manners and customs of the old place; and it is to the boys especially that I address myself; and I hope that if this little book falls into the hands of any of the juniors, they will derive some comfort from the thought that although they may consider their own lives rather hard, others have passed through far severer trials than theirs, unscathed, and can yet look back to the time of their juniorship with interest and regret. If I fail in interesting them it must be my own fault, as, whatever my deficiencies in style and expression, I cannot plead want of knowledge of my subject; I think also that I am impartial; I respect my old school, and if I had boys, and could get them into it, I would send them there; but I am not the least inclined to cry it up at the expense of other similar establishments, of which I have had no experience. I am certain, however, that there is no school where, at the present day, the authorities take a more personal and careful interest in the moral and physical wellbeing of the boys; and this is rendered more practicable at Winchester than at most other public schools, owing to the number being limited to about two hundred, instead of being allowed to expand till it becomes rather a cluster of small schools than one solid establishment.[1]

If any of my own contemporaries ever glance over these pages, I hope they will experience a pleasure in having some scenes brought again before their minds’ eye with which they were once familiar, but of which the remembrance had become fainter and fainter, as they have gradually been shadowed over by the duties and struggles of after-life; though I fear that any such satisfaction will be damped by the feeling of how much better they might have been described by an abler pen.[2] I cannot expect that my book will be noticed by anybody except Wykehamists, yet, in case it should ever attract the notice of any one who is altogether unacquainted with Winchester, I have given a description of the geography of the buildings (in chap, ii.) and the institutions of the school, lacking which the book would have been entirely without meaning to them;—all such dissertations the Wykehamist will, of course, skip. I have, however, omitted giving any account of the history, antiquities, and architecture of the College, all of which have been amply described in several works with which Wykehamists are very well acquainted, and which others can easily procure if they desire any such information. I simply propose as my task some account of the inner life of the boys as it was, “Consule Planco,” illustrated by a picture of the trials and amusements of a junior.

As I remarked above, I think fagging on the whole a laudable institution. Some of the stories here related may not perhaps seem to put it in a very pleasant light; but it must be remembered always, that it is much mitigated at present, and also that, in a light and somewhat gossiping production like this, there is more movement and life in such anecdotes than in a relation of the ordinary kindnesses shown by the bigger to the lesser boys; certainly, I have a more lasting general recollection of benefits received than of cruelties suffered; and in after-life, in the rough struggles of the world, happy is he who has gone through such a training. Here there is no tuft-hunting—wealth and rank have little influence, if the heart is not open and hand skilful. A boy learns to help himself, not to be disheartened in difficulties, and to be prepared for any emergency; and withal a keen sense of honour, friendly rivalry, and patriotic feeling, is continually kept in action. Commend me in a row, moral or physical, to your public schoolman: in the former case, he will very probably be endowed with the judgment, decision, and self-reliance so necessary in such an emergency; and in the latter, he will be likely to stand firm, and know the use of his left hand as well as his right, and when, where, and how to bring both into play.

Plan of Winchester College 1835-40

CHAPTER II.
OF THE LOCUS IN QUO AND DRAMATIS PERSONÆ.

Plan of College Buildings—Dons—College Præfects—Candlekeepers—Dress—Choristers—Commoner Buildings—Præfects—Coursekeeper.

Before entering into particulars it will be necessary to give the non-Wykehamist reader some idea of the arrangement of the College buildings, and of their various uses in the general economy of the institution.

The College of St Mary of Winchester (near Winchester, as it used to be called) was, in olden times, situated outside the town, but is now bounded on its west side by the buildings of Kingsgate Street and College Street. The entrance is from the latter street through a handsome portal called “outer gate,” which opens into a quadrangle, on the east side of which is the Warden’s house; passing through this court and another gateway (“middle gate,” above which is “election chamber”) we enter another spacious quadrangle, the southern side of which is formed by the chapel and hall, the western mainly by the kitchen, and the remaining two sides by the boys’ bed-chambers, (on the ground floor,) and the fellows’ and second master’s lodgings above. Underneath the hall, and close to the great hall staircase, a passage called “seventh-chamber passage” leads into a third quadrangle of smaller dimensions, called “school court,” on the south of which is the school, and on the east the outside wall of the chapel cloisters; along the entire western side of the College buildings, from College Street to the school, extend the buildings of Commoners, (the boys not on the foundation,) the communication of which with College is through a door on the west side of “school court.” A passage between the school and cloister wall leads to the playground or “meads,” adjoining the west side of which, and divided from it by a red brick wall, is the “sick house,” (hospital,) situated in another piece of ground called “sick-house meads.”

The chief of the whole establishment is the Warden, who has nothing to do with the teaching of the boys; he admits and when necessary expels them, confers on them the dignity of “Præfect,” listens to their complaints, and, in fact, in all matters appertaining to the management of the school and the society is omnipotent. There are also ten Fellows, but as their duties (if any) have nothing to do with the inner life of the school, of which alone I purpose to treat, I need say nothing more of them. The head master, or “the Doctor” as he is always called, lives in “Commoners’ buildings,” the inhabitants of which are supposed to be more particularly under his jurisdiction. The second master, who has the more immediate superintendence of the College boys, has, as above-mentioned, his apartments in “chamber court.” There was also an assistant master, who superintended the instruction of the boys in the lower classes, and who did not live in College; and three commoner tutors, who had lodgings in Commoners’, and whose services were called into requisition for general instruction in school as required. There was also a mathematical master.

The school was divided into college boys and commoners; there was a great competition to be enrolled among the former, as they have several privileges, the greatest of which was the chance of gaining a fellowship at New College, Oxford. I will introduce these first. There were seventy of them; of these the eighteen seniors were called “Præpostors,” or (more commonly) “Præfects,” and had the power of “fagging” all the rest, with some few exceptions. Among these eighteen, one, (generally, but not always,) the senior in school, was called the “Præfect of hall,” and was invested with almost absolute power, being looked upon by the “Inferiors” (i.e. those who were not præfects) with something more than a becoming awe and reverence. Some of his principal duties were to take the boys “on to hills,” call names there, pay for broken windows in hall, find the rods, &c. In school he had the seat of honour next to the doctor’s chair, and he always slept in sixth chamber. There were many little fees attached to this responsible office, which brought to the fortunate possessor an income of certainly not less than fifty pounds a year. Next to him in dignity was the “Præfect of tub,” (this title was derived from a box in hall called “tub,” the use of which will be hereafter explained,) whose office was more particularly connected with the dinner department. Then there were two “Præfects of chapel,” one of whom, on alternate weeks, called names there, and during that week was called Præfect of chapel “in course,” and, in case of absence of the Præfect of hall, undertook his duties. There was also a “Præfect of school,” who had to pay for all internal damage done to the interior of that edifice, including broken windows, to keep it clean, to light it, and once every year to renew the cushions of the masters’ seats. To all these offices some emolument in the shape of salary or fees was attached, but considerably less than that received by the Præfect of hall. The eight senior præfects were said to have “full power,” and had some slight privileges not enjoyed by the remaining ten, who were generally called “Bluchers.”

As mentioned above, almost all the inferiors were subject to these eighteen; there were, however, the following exceptions:—“The Senior inferior,” who was exempted from fagging, to give him an opportunity of calmly contemplating the dignity in store for him; and the seven “Candlekeepers,” (why so called, I have no idea, nor have I ever heard any interpretation of the appellation.) These were the seven inferiors who had been longest in the school, quite independently of their position in it; they were generally old and tough. Of these, the senior had almost as much power as a præfect; he had a “valet” in chambers, one or two “breakfast fags,” and the power of fagging the twenty juniors when in school, or in meads. The junior candlekeeper was called “the Deputy,” and had also some slight privileges besides that of having a valet and breakfast-fag, which was common to all of them. The organisation of the fagging department was supposed to be in the hands of the candlekeepers, but practically it was all arranged by the Senior and Deputy; and there was a theory, that if it at any time broke down, and no fags could be found, the præfects in full power had the right to fag the candlekeepers; this, however, was very rarely, if ever, acted upon.

It may easily be imagined, that the offices of Senior candlekeeper and Deputy were regarded with peculiar interest by the small juniors, as when these posts were filled by cross individuals, the lives of the latter were not seldom made a burden to them.

When a præfect required the services of a fag, he called out, “Junior!” and the junior, in hall or chamber, or wherever it might be, had to “run.”

The order of seniority in fagging depended, in College, solely on the length of time the boys had been at the school, and was entirely independent of their position otherwise. A certain number of boys were of “Founder’s kin,” to which certain privileges attached, which will be hereafter mentioned.

As regards dress, the College boys wore any trousers they liked; but instead of an ordinary coat and waistcoat, they were usually habited in a black, green, or brown (the latter colours were seldom worn except by præfects, or very responsible inferiors) waistcoat, with an upright collar, and sleeves of the same material, and a serge gown, with full sleeves buttoning above or just below the elbow; the gown, in walking, was very commonly tucked up in a bunch behind.

Inferiors were never allowed to wear hats inside the College walls; the præfects seldom doffed theirs, except in the presence of a master and when they went to bed; all were obliged to wear white neckcloths and bands, except when on leave out; and surplices in chapel on Sundays and saints’ days.

OLD COMMONERS.

During the years 1839-1841 the picturesque Old Commoners was demolished. It was built by Dr Burton, and formed an irregular quadrangle. On the west side were the head-master’s house, an excellent ball-court, and upper and lower cloister galleries, built over a small cloister; on the north was “Wickham’s” buildings, containing the Hall of the juniors, various dormitories, and the residence of the tutors; on the south were upper and lower conduit galleries, part of the ancient “Sustern Spital,” and divided into dormitories above, and below into apartments for the matron, and three “Continent Rooms” or sick bays. On the ground-floor, to the west of the inner entrance, were the “Hatches,” from which the bread or “sines,” and cans of beer, called “jorams,” were issued; the kitchens, etc.; opening into a small court, containing a dormitory, known as “New Room.” On the other side were the prefects’ and the tutors’ studies. On the east side of Commoners’ Court was the wall of the college stables, and a range of fine elm-trees, destroyed with one exception during a violent summer-storm in 1836. Underneath the survivor was the “long bench,” so frequented in “standing-up time.” The entrance-gate stood where the west gate of modern commoners is at present. Parallel with the east side of the court, and to the southward of the tutors’ studies, was the “dining hall;” and above it was a set of sleeping-rooms, upper and lower hall galleries. On the westward of the hall was “the conduit.”—Walcott’s William of Wykeham and his Colleges.

Besides the Warden, fellows, masters, and boys, there were twelve “Choristers,” who must by no means be omitted, as they formed an important part of the internal economy. I suppose they were called Choristers because they had not to sing; certainly if ever that was a part of their duty, it had entirely lapsed. Their office was to wait on the boys, in hall and chambers, till seven o’clock, and especially to go on errands in the town,—the boys themselves never being allowed to go there, except when invited by friends on saints’ days. These little Choristers wore chocolate-coloured tail-coats and trousers, with metal buttons; and, on the whole, I think their life must have been a weary one.

In Commoners’, the number of boys fluctuated between one hundred and one hundred and thirty. The building called “Commoners’,” in which they slept and had their meals, skirted the west side of College, and had its entrance also in College Street. It would be useless to describe the buildings of Commoners’ as they existed in my time; they were not in any way remarkable, and are now entirely removed, and other and more commodious edifices, though, perhaps, not much more beautiful, built in their place.

There were twelve Præfects in Commoners, who had the right of fagging all the rest except those in the class immediately below them, (called senior part the fifth,) who were exempt; when they required the services of a Fag, they did not call “Junior!” but “Here!” They also had an officer whose duties and privileges were somewhat similar to those of Senior Candlekeeper and Deputy in College; his office, however, was conferred by election among the Præfects. It was necessary that he should be in either middle or junior part the fifth, of reasonable bodily strength, and have been at least three years in commoners. This dignitary was called “the Coursekeeper;” should he be promoted into senior part the fifth, he retained the privileges of the office without its responsibilities, and was called “Ex-coursekeeper.”

The College boys and Commoners rose at the same hour, attended chapel, used the school, and went on to Hill’s together; but the latter took their meals and slept in Commoners’, and had not the use of meads, having a field about half a mile distant, to which they went from twelve to one on whole school days, and again, in the afternoon, on holidays.

The rule of seniority, as regarded fagging, was different from that established in College. Commoner Inferiors took precedence according to their standing in the school, not according to the length of time they had been there. It will be seen, from what has been said, that the College juniors had a much harder time of it than the Commoners, as the former were in the proportion of forty-four Fags to eighteen Præfects and seven Candlekeepers, whereas in the latter (supposing the number of the boys to be one hundred and twenty, and twenty to be in senior part the fifth, and exempt from fagging) the proportion would be eighty-seven fags to twelve Præfects and one Coursekeeper. I will, therefore, devote my attention principally to the illustration of the life of the College Fag, which, in fact, combines all the trials and amusements of both.

CHAPTER III.
TREATS OF SOME MANNERS AND CUSTOMS.

A Fag’s Duties—His Respect for Præfects—Præfects’ Responsibilities—Code of Honour—Lying Scouted—Exceptional Anecdote—Certain Things considered Common Property—Slang—Nicknames of Officials and Under-Porter—Whole Holidays—Remedies—Half Holidays—Sundays—Hills.

The duties of a Fag, in the days of which I write, may be more easily described by informing the reader what he had not to do, than by endeavouring to make out a list of his positive duties. I believe when I say that he had not to make the beds, nor to clean shoes, I have exhausted the negative catalogue.

The degree of awe with which we Juniors used to regard the Præfects seems to me, looking back, most mysterious; and it would be impossible to make a stranger realise the peculiar sensation. It was entirely a moral feeling, not being in any way connected with muscular power—many of the Præfects being, in physical strength, inferior to their fags; and it was by no means uncommon to see a small Præfect rising on his toes to reach the proper height for administering an effective “Clow” (box on the ear) to an offending Junior some inches taller, and a stone heavier, than himself. Nor was there the slightest imputation of cowardice on the part of the bigger boy,—I cannot explain it, but it seemed simply impossible to resist.

I never was a Præfect myself; and when I was a big Inferior, I have more than once received, with perfect meekness, a “Tunding” (thrashing with a stick) from a boy who, had he been an Inferior, would have treated me with the greatest respect. I remember, on one such occasion, the operator, indignant at not being able to make me feel, searched underneath my waistcoat to see if I was not padded for the occasion, (not an uncommon proceeding by any means;) and on finding such was not the case, took the small end of the stick in his hand, and finished the performance with the butt end, and principally on my head. Nor, when ordered to “hold down” (i.e., put your head in a convenient position) for a “Clow,” would the victim dare to ward off the blow, or cease offering his cheek to the smiter till it pleased the latter to desist.

Indeed, the moment a boy was made a Præfect, he seemed immediately to become invested with a supernatural power that changed the familiar intercourse with his former companions into awe or respect on the one side, and tyranny or condescension on the other, according to the nature of the individual promoted. I remember, soon after my first arrival, and before I had quite realised the great gulf between a Præfect and an Inferior, during breakfast-time in hall, I saw one of the Fags put aside his master’s frying-pan, it being required no longer. As I was in want of one at the moment, in the innocence of my heart, I politely asked the Præfect, who was its owner, if he would be so good as to lend it to me. I thought he looked rather queer, but, being a good-natured youth, he said, “Yes;” when the loud burst of laughter from the other boys proclaimed that something unusual had happened. On inquiry, I found that it was my astounding impertinence in making such a request of a Præfect that had caused the excitement, and for some little time I was looked on as quite a hero.

Though, at first sight, this kind of superstitious awe of the Inferiors towards the Præfects may seem unprofitable, yet I am inclined to think that, on the whole, it was not without its advantages. Certainly, in some exceptional cases, a Præfect used to take advantage of his position, and treat those beneath him cruelly; but such, at any rate, was not the general character of the Præfects in my time; and most of them used their power far more in preventing the big Inferiors from bullying their companions, than in inflicting torture themselves.

The Præfects had the entire charge of the boys out of school, and were responsible to the masters for all breaches of discipline committed by the others, for which they (the Præfects) were punished; it was, therefore, their interest as well as duty to see the laws carried out. When a delinquent was discovered, he received his punishment at once from the Præfect under whose jurisdiction the offence fell. This generally consisted of any given number of stripes on the back, varying from a dozen to about fifty, according to the character of the offence, or the disposition of the performer. The sticks used for this purpose were supple young ash plants, familiarly called “Ground Ashes,” and the supplying them to the Præfects formed quite a profitable branch of trade to some individuals in the town, as the consumption was considerable.

As I mentioned above, this kind of thrashing was called “Tunding,” and, for any grave offence, it was administered by the Præfect of Hall on the raised dais at the end of hall, in presence of all the boys, and was then called “a Tunding on top of Hall.” I believe the system worked well. It would have been impossible for the Masters to have been continually spying after the boys; and the confidence placed in the Præfects strengthened their character, inasmuch as, for the most part, they felt proud of the trust confided to them, and conscientiously endeavoured to fulfil their duties. The public Tundings were almost always fairly conducted, being generally adequate, but not excessive, and could not be classed with the severe bullying that some few Præfects carried on behind the scenes, where there was no public to control either the manner or the quantity of punishment administered.

A high tone of honour was kept up in the school, truth being scrupulously adhered to between the boys themselves, and by them towards the Masters, except in one particular, (which exception, indeed, was caused by an honourable feeling crookedly developed,) and this was when telling the truth would bring another individual into trouble.

On these occasions, the most tremendous lies were sometimes considered justifiable:—e.g., The Doctor comes suddenly round a corner, and finds Tibbs mopping the rosy fluid from his nose with a rueful countenance, having just received a sharp back-hander from one of his lords and masters, whose basin he has broken:—

“Pray, what may be the matter with you?” inquires the Doctor.

“Fell down and hurt my nose, sir,” whimpers Tibbs.

Dr. “But the ground is muddy, and your clothes clean.”

T. “Only touched the ground with my nose, sir.”

But I can give a more comprehensive example in an occurrence that I well remember. One night, in one of the chambers, the boys were up and amusing themselves with the operation of a “Toefitying,” which consists in noosing the toe of a sleeper in a piece of string, and then pulling, concerning which pastime more anon. Badger was trying to operate on Reynard, who, (though pretending to be asleep, was really wide awake,) gently stealing his hand from under the bedclothes, clutched a Donnegan, and launched it at Badger’s head, who, being thereby floored, mechanically replied with his extinguished candlestick, extinguisher, snuffers, and all, which unfortunately took effect, and inflicted a deep cut on Reynard’s lip. The next morning, as Reynard was not producible, one of the Masters made affectionate inquiries respecting him. On hearing that he had cut his lip, he inquired, “How?” No one had an idea.

Master. “Send for Reynard.”

[Appears Reynard with his head in a sling.]

M. “How did you cut your lip?”

R. “Woke in the night, sir, and found my lip bleeding; think something must have struck it.”

M. “Tell the Senior Præfect in the chamber to come to me.”

[Præfect appears.] M. “Toller, what was going on in your chamber last night?”

T. “Don’t know, sir, as I was fast asleep.” (N.B.—He was eating toasted cheese at the time immediately opposite the scene of action.)

The other boys of the chamber being sent for in proper order, some thought they heard a noise, but were certain it was caused by boys from another chamber, (the latter part being true for a wonder;) another thought he detected Pudding’s voice; by a curious coincidence, Pudding happened to have been sleeping at sick-house on that particular night; and so on.

But if by any chance an individual was likely to receive punishment in consequence of any self-sacrificing fiction, I need not say that the real delinquent always stepped forth at once and claimed his right to the infliction. I never knew an instance of a boy spontaneously informing a Master of any misdemeanour committed by another. This, although commendable as a general rule, might, on some rare occasions, (in cases of bullying by Præfects for example,) be infringed with advantage. In the matter of certain articles, which were strictly defined, and which, if I remember rightly, consisted of stationery, knives, faggots, crockery, and eatables supplied by the College, we used to put a liberal interpretation on the eighth commandment, these being looked upon to a certain extent as common property; and it was considered fair “to make” (i.e., take) them if you could. Of course, if discovered, certain results would follow, but no moral offence was imputed. All other articles were governed by the usual laws which define the difference between meum and tuum; and I need not say that, as regards money, the most rigid probity was enforced; and if a boy was ever suspected of improperly meddling with another’s capital, the affair was diligently inquired into, and, if found guilty, the punishment of the delinquent was condign, and the disgrace ineffaceable.

Popjoy and Hopper on one occasion made a bet, the subject of which was that, during the ensuing fortnight, each should endeavour to “make” as many knives as possible, the possessor of the greater number at the end of the appointed time to be the winner. They set to work diligently, and, by the end of the time, had nearly collected all the knives in the school. On comparing their booty, Hopper was found to have a small majority. Popjoy, discontented at the result, proposed another trial, which being assented to, just before the final day Hopper found that the whole of his stock had disappeared, having been successfully swept off by his now triumphant antagonist.

The Winchester slang is very peculiar and expressive, and I confess that I regard it with much affection. Some of the words can hardly be expressed in English without considerable periphrasis; (vide [Glossary-words], “to junket over,” to “thoke upon,” &c.) Besides the slang, there are other peculiarities in the language. The definite article is never used in connexion with any of the institutions, buildings, or localities connected with College; e.g., one never spoke of “the Hall, the Election, the Warden’s Stream;” it was always “Election,” “Hall,” “Warden’s Stream,” &c. When speaking of persons, it was permitted, as “the Doctor, the Warden.”

The names of many of the College employées were hereditary nicknames, which often passed on to the new-comer with his office. I dare say there still exists a Dungy, Whitesman, Purver, Long John, &c. &c., though the original owners of the names, or the derivations of the nicknames, (if they were so,) have long since been forgotten. There was an exception to this in the case of the Under-Porter, the nomenclature of the occupant of which office was settled on a different principle. When I first came to Winchester, he rejoiced in the name of Obadiah. I suppose the original Under-Porter’s name was Malachi, and that, after him, the catalogue of books of the Old Testament was followed up in due order; for when Obadiah relinquished his post, his successor was named Amos; and, on Amos’s retirement, Joel stepped into his vacant shoes; and as I was there five years, and during that time three different Under-Porters wielded the keys,—if they have since succeeded at the same rate, the name of the present officer would be Esther.

In the times I write of, we had a good deal of relaxation from our studies,—rather too much, indeed, I used to think, during my first year; for at that time I considered school-time a decided change for the better from my very arduous duties, when we were supposed to be amusing ourselves. As time wore on, I found these labours rather alleviated, and I ultimately began to think a whole holiday not such a bad institution after all. We had plenty of them. In the short half, we had at least one “Remedy” and a half every week, and in summer two always; they were on Tuesdays and Thursdays. These “Remedies” were a kind of mitigated whole holidays. We were supposed to go into school for an hour or two in the morning and afternoon; but as no Master was present, it didn’t come to much. This was called “Books Chambers.” Remedies were not a matter of right, but were always specially applied for by Præfect of hall on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The custom was for him to waylay the Doctor on his way to morning Chapel, and make the request, when, if granted, a gold ring was handed to the applicant, on which was engraved, “Commendat rarior usus.” This ring was worn by the Præfect of hall for the rest of the day, and returned by him to the Doctor at the beginning of middle school on the day following.

We had whole holidays on all Saints’ days and Founder’s anniversaries, on which occasions we were allowed to go out,—if invited by friends in the country, for the whole day; or if by friends in the town, for the afternoon. Of course when there was a Saint’s day in the week we only had one “Remedy.”

Half holidays were not unfrequent; whenever a distinguished Wykehamist visited Winchester, a deputation of boys waited on him, with a request that he would ask the Doctor for one; also, if any boy gained a scholarship at Oxford or Cambridge, or having been at Winchester, distinguished himself at the universities or in public life, or if there was an addition to the family of any of the masters, (an event which I have known to happen while I was at Winchester,) a half holiday was petitioned for, and generally with success.

Sunday was the Fag’s best holiday, for even he participated in some degree of the rest which is enjoined for the man-servant and maid-servant on that day. We had a “Thoke,” (i.e., we did not get up) till eight o’clock Chapel, and attended Cathedral service, which commenced with the Litany at half-past ten; we went into school from four to five to do Greek Testament, and to Chapel again at five. In Cloister-time, Sixth book, and Senior part went into school from seven to eight P.M., which period was called “Grotius time,” after the author whose work, “De Veritate,” was then substituted for Greek Testament.

On Holidays and “Remedies” we were turned out for a couple of hours on to “St Catherine’s Hill,” (a green eminence about a mile from College, with a clump of trees at the top, which was surrounded by a deep trench—the remains of a Roman camp,)—once before breakfast,(“Morning Hills,”) and again in the afternoon, (“Middle Hills.”) In summer we also went out after dinner, (“Evening Hills,”) when we did not ascend the aforesaid mountain, but disported ourselves in the water-meadows beneath. These outgoings were called “Going on to Hills” and “Under Hills” respectively.

Having now, I hope, put the reader pretty well au courant as to the scene of action, the authorities, and some of the institutions and customs of Winchester, I will endeavour to give as accurate an account as I can (considering the time that has elapsed since I was at school) of the inner life of the boys,—as it was in those days,—and will proceed to introduce the Fag on his first arrival, and then conduct you (kind reader) with him through our Chambers, Hall, Chapel, School, and Meads, and give a cursory sketch of his proceedings on a “Lockback Holiday, Hills, and Leave-out, and during Standing-up and Election weeks.”

CHAPTER IV.
THE JUNIOR’S START IN COLLEGE LIFE.

πεμπε—Tin Gloves—Test of Founder’s Kin—Tutor and Pupil—The Fag “in Course.”

In this chapter, I propose to recount some of the solemnities attendant on the first appearance of a new boy. I need not go through a list of the ordinary questions and chaffings to which a greenhorn is subjected at all schools, but will confine myself to some of the ordeals peculiar to Winchester in the dark ages of which I write. On the first appearance of Green in school, Humbug would ask him, with an air of sympathy, if he had a book entitled “πεμπε μωρον προτερον,” (send the fool farther,) without which it would be impossible for him to get up properly his appointed task. On finding that he has not a copy of the work in question, Humbug would offer his own which he had lent to Brown, and to whom he despatches Green to get it. Brown, however, having lent it to Jones, Green goes to him, who refers him to Robinson, who sends him down to sick-house, whence he is again sent back to school, and, after numerous similar peregrinations, he is ultimately referred to one of the Masters, who soon puts an end to his search.

But there were other ordeals that were not quite so harmless. Green was liable to be asked whether he possessed a pair of “Tin gloves.” As this article does not generally form part of a boy’s outfit, Bully would proceed to furnish him with a pair in the following manner:—Taking a half-consumed stick from the fire, he would draw the “red-hot end” down the back of Greens hand between each of the knuckles to the wrist, and, having produced three satisfactory lines of blisters, would then make two or three transverse lines across. A scientifically fitted pair of gloves of this description was generally, if not pleasant wear, at any rate, of great durability.

Bully might then, perhaps, inquire of the wretched Green if he was of “Founder’s kin,” and, whatever his answer, proceed to test the assertion by trying to break a plate on his head—the theory being that, if the plate broke first, his descent was proved.

Each boy, on his arrival, was allotted to a Præfect as his pupil, who was called his tutor, and was supposed to exercise a general superintendence over his morals and manners, to purge his exercises from the grosser faults, protect him from the unjust treatment of other boys, and generally to “Teejay”[3] him. It was ordinarily an advantageous arrangement to both parties. My old friend Dummy, however, was not fortunate in the selection made for him; he was handed over to a tutor, who, by way of taking a great interest in his welfare, prevented other boys from thrashing his pupil by operating on him so constantly himself, that they scarcely had any chance of so doing. The tutor was tall, thin, bullet-headed, and apparently about forty-five years of age, and he used, from time to time, to conduct his pupil into a quiet corner, and, with a cheerful smile beaming on his countenance, would give himself a few minutes’ healthy, but not too violent, exercise. He was economical, and found that a stout cane, tied with wax thread at the end, was a less expensive chest-opener than a ground-ash, which was not only very liable to break, but extracted less entertainment than the thicker weapon. He was not very muscular, or the consequences might have been serious. As it was, wherever Dummy went to bathe, a number of spectators always assembled to see his back, which, from the nape of his neck to his ankles, was a network of intersecting bruises. Dummy’s skin gradually got as tough as a hippopotamus’s, and I don’t think it did him much harm. At any rate, I saw him last year in rude health. He was delighted to see me; and he told me that, not long before, he had met his venerated tutor at a railway station in Northumberland, looking still about forty-five, and apparently a bishop or dean, or something of that sort, with a Gothic waistcoat, and a broad-brimmed hat, and altogether so little altered, that Dummy’s body gave an instinctive shrink as it passed him, in expectation of the never-failing blow or kick that used to follow immediately on his propinquity.

A fortnight’s breathing-time was allowed to every new boy before he commenced Fagging, to give him the necessary leisure to learn what would be expected of him; at the expiration of which period his duties began, and he was said to be “in Course.” Such is the natural craving in the human mind for change, that I remember, in my case, I was quite impatient for the time of probation to expire, that I might indulge in the manly exercise of Fagging.

CHAPTER V.
THE JUNIOR IN CHAMBERS.

Choosing Chambers—Furniture of Chambers—Junior’s Duties—Toy-time—Mess—Sound Sleepers—Sitting up—The Scheme—Toefitying—Spree Mess—Theatricals.

In the centre quadrangle (vide [Plan]) are situated the seven Chambers in which the College boys sleep. They are on the ground-floor, and are called, after their respective numbers, “First,” “Second,” “Third,” &c. The number of beds varied in each, the largest (Seventh, which used to be the school before the present was built, about two centuries ago) containing thirteen, the smallest (Fifth) eight.

I will suppose our Fag to have been located in Fourth, and, for the benefit of the uninitiated reader, I will endeavour to sketch this somewhat remarkable apartment. There are nine beds made of massive timber, coeval with the College, with a solid wooden canopy and sides, extending a quarter of the way down the bed. This canopy was generally papered inside with coloured prints, and wherein was fixed a “Reading-shelf” for books, and candlestick. The beds were comfortable, and I have never enjoyed sleep more than I have in those quaint old receptacles. By the side of each was a chest of about three feet long, in which clothes were kept, and it also served as a seat whereon to sit at “Toys.” This was a kind of bureau, the upper part of which was fitted with shelves for books, where might be found also tea and other groceries, crockery, and odds and ends innumerable; the lower part opened and formed a desk. If a search was to be made under our Junior’s bed, one would have found two candle-boxes, one for rushlights, and the other for “Tollys,” as the moulded article was generally named, three or four tin coffee-pots, two large tin boilers for water, (called “Toe-pan boilers,”) a large earthenware bath, (the “Toe-pan,”) a huge jug of beer, (the “Nipperkin,”) and lots of candlesticks. Behind the door was a pile of faggots; in the centre of the room was fixed a strong wooden “post” or pillar, and alongside of it a form, on which were placed three or four “Washing-drawers,” (i.e., oaken dressing-cases.) Opposite the window yawned the great fireplace, with its dogs, on which rested the faggots and bars for the reception of the array of boilers. Above it was a rushlight, (fixed in a circular iron pan fastened to a staple in the wall; it was called “The Functior;”) and on each side of it a strong four-legged table, (or “Washing-stool,”) at which sat the two Præfects. Around the walls above the beds were inserted, on slabs of slate or stone, the names of former heroes who had passed safely through the trials of a College Junior, and there many a boy could see the names of his ancestors looking down on him, and silently bidding him be of good heart.

When viewed in the daytime, and devoid of its occupants, the tout ensemble is somewhat dreary; but when the boys are there, and the fire blazing, a great change comes over the scene, and whether prejudice or what, I will not pretend to say; but I can call to mind no scene so cosy and cheerful, especially when, having turned into bed after a hard day’s work, I used drowsily to watch the darting flames till I gradually sunk into dreams of quiet home, or of a paradise of everlasting cricket and football, where there was no “Watching out” or “Kicking in.”

Chambers were chosen at the beginning of each half year by the Præfects, in order—the Præfect of hall always being, in Sixth, ex officio. Every chamber had two Præfects, and to four three were allotted. There was also a Candlekeeper to each chamber, who made their selection in rotation; the other boys were chosen by the Præfects. Each of the Præfects and the Candlekeepers had a Fag for his “Valet,” whose duty it was to prepare his tea or coffee in the evening, get him water of a morning, carry his washing things and books through to school after morning Chapel, and back again in the evening. The second Junior in Chamber had the charge of the crockery, and was bound to produce a pint-cup at any period of the day if one was demanded by a Præfect.

The Junior in Chamber had a hard time of it; for, in addition to being the Candlekeeper’s Valet, he had to get up in the morning when “Rat Williams” came and rattled at the door, call the other boys, light the fire, clean candlesticks, get in his Master’s water, clean his basin when it so required, (a tedious and disagreeable process, done by rubbing it with earth picked up from between the flints of Quad,) and wash himself,—this last was not a luxurious occupation at six o’clock on a cold winter’s morning, inasmuch as he had to go out in the dark, rain, snow, or frost, and perform his ablutions in the open air at “Conduit,” which was the name given to half a dozen brass cocks fixed in the west wall of Chamber Quad, and the water in which not seldom required thawing with fire before it could be persuaded to flow. While endeavouring to get through his multifarious duties, he had to keep a sharp ear on the performance of the Chapel bell, and to call out accordingly, “First peal!” “Second peal!” and “Bells down!” Then the advent of the Head or Second Master had to be duly announced by shouting, “Willerly or Ridsworth going in,” as the case might be; and lastly, when they had gone in, to give the final call, “Willerly or Ridsworth in.” Then there was a rush into Chapel, where names were called, and all too late to answer “Sum” got an imposition of thirty lines. Before going into Chapel, the Doctor used generally to walk up and down “Sands,” (i.e., the flags on the south side of Quad, under the Chapel windows;) this was to give an opportunity to those who wished to “go Continent,” (i.e., go to hospital,) to send for permission, and, on Tuesdays and Thursdays, to the Prefect of hall to ask for a “Remedy.”

THE OLD CONDUIT—WASHING IN COURT.

After Chapel, all the boys (the Valets laden with their Masters’ goods and chattels) left Chambers for school quad. After this, till about half-past six P.M., Chambers remained deserted. From seven till eight P.M., the boys had to sit at their toys, to learn their lessons, and do their “Vulguses;” quiet was kept, and sometimes one of the Masters looked round. During this period of “Toy-time,” as it was called, the Præfects sat at their washing-stools on each side of the fire; and when from time to time a fresh faggot was put on, and the warmth became oppressive, a Junior was sometimes summoned to stand between their majesties and the blaze. The living screen was obliged to keep continually revolving, and to pull out his trousers from the more fully developed parts of his person, or he ran a risk of being scorched. Fortunately the fierceness of the blaze soon subsided, when the screen was permitted to withdraw.

Toy-time over, the Valets set to work to make their Masters’ coffee or tea, (“Mess.”) We used to make the former very good, our plan being to let it simmer for a long time, but on no account to boil over. In Belgium and France, however, where it is still better, I find they never boil the coffee, but simply pour scalding water over it.

In summer, the Præfects’ washing-stools were often set out in Quad, under the shadow of the Chapel buttresses, and the repast would consist of “Made beer,” (College swipes bottled with rice, a few raisins, sugar, and nutmeg to make it “up,”) bread, cheese, salad, lobsters, &c.

The Juniors got their tea (“Sus”) anyhow,—generally in bed,—and swigged it out of a pint-cup; and how delicious it was! Not unfrequently it was accompanied by a “Thoker,”—i.e., the evening ration of bread soaked slightly in water, and then put down to bake near the hot ashes.

Evening Chapel took place at nine, immediately after which the Inferiors had to go to bed; the Præfects were allowed to sit up till ten. How sweet was sleep in those days, and so sound, that on one occasion, when called in the morning, I found myself unable to move; on struggling to rise, I got the point of a stick in my eye, and gradually became aware that all the faggots in chamber had been piled on the bed during my slumber, without disturbing me in the least. On another occasion, (in which I was an active instead of a passive agent,) we corded up a boy, mattress, bedclothes, and all, so tight that he could not stir, (during which operation he slept soundly,) and was finally cut out by the bedmaker after Chapel. Again; one night I was sitting up in bed reading, and was very much disturbed by the obdurate snoring of another boy at the end of the room. Being unable to make him desist, and wishing to go to sleep, I put out my candle by throwing it at him; it struck the wall above his head, upon which he gave a grunt and a start, ceased snoring, and we all went to sleep. The next morning when he woke, he found the wick of the candle lying like a worm on his pillow, the whole of the grease having soaked into his hair.

Almost all the Fag’s lessons were learnt in Chambers at Toy-time, or sitting up at night, as, during two-thirds of the time in school, they were repeating their lessons, and the Fagging during the rest of the day was continuous. There was a curious kind of understanding between the Masters and boys about sitting up at night. Two or three days a-week, one of the Masters used to make the round of the Chambers about eleven o’clock. As he passed each window, he could quite easily, and generally did, look in. In all probability he would see the Præfects at their washing-stools hard at work, and two-thirds of the other boys sitting up in bed reading, writing, or learning lines by heart,—the former with two, and the latter with one candle each. On opening the door with his Master-key, (which was not generally done with extreme rapidity,) what a different scene would present itself to his eyes,—a room dimly lighted by a rushlight, with eight or nine boys in bed, apparently fast asleep, and snoring particularly loud. At the first rattle of the key, the Præfects, having their beds previously turned down, extinguished the candles, shut up their books, and dashed into bed, boots, clothes, and all,—a proceeding that long practice had rendered quite easy. Those in bed, with a sweep of the arm, drew under the clothes candlestick, ink, paper, hooks, and all. Sometimes a Præfect was not quick enough, or a Junior had gone to sleep with his candle alight, in both of which cases the former got the punishment, the Inferior settling his part of the reckoning with the Præfect afterwards.

There was more sitting up at night in the summer half year than in the winter, as at that time Præfects were busy preparing for Election Chamber, and Inferiors for “Standing up,” (v.i.) At that time, we used not only to borrow from the night, but the morning also; and we had a method of calling ourselves which was rather ingenious. It was called “The Scheme,” and was arranged as follows:—The Functior was known to burn at a certain rate—say an inch an hour—if it was lighted at nine o’clock, and we wanted to rise at four, seven inches only were allowed to protrude above the socket, (the rest being cut off,) around which a quantity of paper was arranged, and a string tied, which was carried through a hole in the top of a Junior’s bed; to the end of this string a parcel of books, or a pint-cup of water, was fastened, (if the latter, it was called “a Water Scheme,” and another string connected the bottom of the cup with the canopy of the bed.) When the candle burnt down, it ignited the paper and burnt the string, causing the books (or water) to fall, which roused the subincumbent sleeper, who proceeded to wake the rest. One Scheme was sufficient to wake the whole school if required; for in every other Chamber that contained any boys who wished to rise early, a victim was selected whose toe was secured in a noose of string, the other end of which was tied to the window-bar; so that the original schemer, by walking round Quad and tugging at the different strings, could soon rouse them all. This led to a very amusing incident on a certain occasion. One of the Masters who had lately arrived (and who, not having been educated at Winchester, was not up to the ways of the place) was going round Chambers with a friend, an old Wykehamist, who had been dining with him. While Mr ⸺ went into Third, his friend remained outside. Suddenly catching sight of a string tied to a bar of the window, and knowing well what was at the other end, he took a steady pull at it just as the Master had got to the middle of Chamber; the consequence was, that the unfortunate fish at the other end, who, by the by, was a severe stammerer, dashed out of bed, and, with a shattered howl, plunged past the astonished Master with one foot in the air, till he brought his toe up to the window-sill.

This little scene brings to my mind the demoniacal diversion of “Toefitying.” Occasionally some wicked boy would arise in the night, and, gently removing the bedclothes from the feet of an unsuspecting sleeper, endeavour to noose one of his toes with string, when, if successful, the consequence would be similar to that above described.

TOEFITYING, AND THE SCHEME.

Before the end of my first half year, I became a difficult subject, though, as above mentioned, a hard sleeper; yet if anybody laid the gentlest finger on the bedclothes near my feet, to spring up, seize the nearest missile, and launch it at the intruder, was the work of an instant. An ingenuity, worthy of being devoted to better purposes, was displayed by Bolter in elaborating this foolish practical joke. He fixed a fishing-reel, with its line, to the leg of his washing-stool; and having passed the end of the line through a staple fastened to the post in the centre of the room, he then tied to it other lines equal in number to the boys in Chamber. Having secured each line to the toe of a boy, he then proceeded to wind up the reel briskly, the effect being that, in a twinkling, he had all the boys standing in a bouquet round the post with one leg extended. This little incident has been depicted by our artist in the plate entitled “Toefitying.”

On rare occasions, the boys used to get up at night and have supper. Once (this was before my time) a feast was going on, when, on an alarm being given that a Master was coming round, one of the boys seized a hot roasted duck and crammed it into the sleeve of his gown, just before the Master entered. There being a strong flavour of cooking, he inquired the cause; on which the boy suggested that the same perfume would probably be found in the adjoining Chamber, as the windows of both were near the Warden’s kitchen. “Come with me, and we will try,” said the Master. So they adjourned to the next Chamber, the boy taking good care to keep his sleeve, in which was the duck, in close proximity to his conductor, who, after sniffing about, found, to his surprise, that there really was a similar flavour there also, which clearly, in that case, could not have proceeded from any cooking in the room, as there was no fire; and so the original destiny of the duck was ultimately accomplished.

At the end of the half year, we used to have large entertainments, called “Spree Messes,” between Toy-time and Chapel, consisting of tea, coffee, muffins, cakes, &c., the funds for which were generally provided by fines inflicted during Toy-time for talking loud, slamming the door, coming in without whistling, (to show that it was not a Master entering,) improper language, &c. &c. Sometimes a Spree Mess was given by the boys about to leave at the end of that half. My muffin-consuming power, though still vigorous, has never been properly developed since the last of these entertainments at which I assisted, when Rasper, Sower, and myself, were the joint entertainers.

We brought one half year to a grand conclusion with theatricals in Seventh. Our preparations we had to make on the sly, as we thought it probable that, if the authorities were to hear of our proceedings, they would put a stop to them altogether; however, whether they knew of it or not, they never interfered, and it came off with great éclat. After considerable debate, the pieces selected were “The Children in the Wood,” and “Alfred.” We formed our stage by removing all the bedding from the beds on one side of Chamber, and laying the bed-boards[4] on them for a floor. A cord was fastened across the room a few feet from the wall, from which lengths of paper-hangings were suspended to give it some appearance of a room, and (the toys being removed) to give room for the actors to pass from one side to the other without being seen by the audience; in front of all a green drop, or rather draw-curtain, was suspended.

THE PLAY IN SEVENTH.

I have but a vague recollection of the plot of the first piece; but I remember that the prima donna was nearly six feet high. Her figure was not quite so well suited to the part as her head, and she was obliged to wear an ample shawl to conceal some little irregularities in her costume behind. I was a ruffian myself, and, after a sanguinary combat, was slain by somebody who objected to my cutting the throats of the children. It were as well the ruffian was killed, as I had to appear as a drunken servant in the second act; and I fancy that I cut rather a distinguished appearance in a pair of Mr Oades’s (the butcher) top-boots, which he kindly lent me for this particular occasion. The scene was supposed to be a wood; and to convey this idea to the audience, two faggots were put upon the stage. In this scene I was, in my turn, attacked by two ruffians, and, snatching a stick from a faggot, proceeded to defend myself. Somehow or other we all got entangled in my extempore weapon; and a bed-board giving way in the heat of the struggle, we all disappeared from the sight of the astonished audience. Just at this moment, in rushed the gentleman who had killed me in the first act, but whose duty it was now to defend me with the heroic cry, “What! two to one!” and there is no knowing what he might not have done if there had been any one for him to operate on; as it was, he had the stage to himself, and the curtain was drawn amid roars of laughter. How it all ended, I forget exactly; but it was no tragedy, and the children ultimately came in for ten thousand a-year, or were found to be heirs to a dukedom, or something pleasant of that kind.

The after piece, “Alfred,” was performed in the front of the great fireplace, where the king could toast his cakes conveniently. He was wrapped up in a surplice; but underneath he was very gorgeously got up, in a gold helmet, striped Jersey, tight drawers, and Wellington boots, with a large silk banner pinned on to his royal shoulders.

If our acting was indifferent, and the scenery and decorations absurd, they, at any rate, had the desired effect of amusing the audience, to judge by the tremendous applause that greeted the conclusion. Three times was the fair and blushing Podina led across the stage, trembling with modesty and excitement, to receive the enthusiastic applause of the enraptured spectators. However, I believe the actors had the best fun after all. Since then, I have assisted at getting up similar entertainments, but have never enjoyed anything of the kind nearly so much as this our first and, I believe, the last attempt at theatricals at Winchester.[5]

CHAPTER VI.
THE JUNIOR IN HALL.

Rush for Trenchers, &c.—Description of Hall—Toasting and Cooking—Receipt for Fried Potatoes—Tea—Luncheon—Conning for Bands—Beever Time—Dinner—Dispars—Fagging in Hall—Kitchen.

At a quarter before nine the door of Seventh chamber passage was opened, and the boys, eager for breakfast, tumultuously rushed out from school-court; stopping at the bottom of Hall stairs for a moment, to see if Poole, the porter, had letters, or, what was even more delightful, a “Cargo,” (a hamper of game or eatables from home,) for them, and then darted up the steps.

Before entering, I must give the reader an idea of the internal arrangement of the noble old Hall, which in beauty and size excels most of the college halls in Oxford or Cambridge. At the east end is a raised dais, on which is the “High table,” where the Dons dine in Election week. Along each side are rows of tables. Those on the north side, allotted to the Præfects, were called, “Tub, Middle, and Junior Mess,” respectively. The others, when occupied, being each presided over by a Candlekeeper, were called respectively senior, second, and so on to junior “End.” The fireplace is in the centre of the Hall, with two grates looking in opposite directions, the smoke being conducted away by a chimney underneath the floor; the whole apparatus, however, is cleared away in summer time. A screen at the lower end forms a passage, into which opened “Whiteman’s Hatch,” where “Trenchers,” knives and forks; “Dear’s,” where bread and cheese; and “Colson’s,” where beer, butter, and salt were dispensed. The trenchers were about a foot square, and did duty as plates at all meals; they were admirably adapted for bread and butter, but were not particularly convenient for those who were partial to hot meat and gravy. In front of the screen stood “Tub,” from which the Præfect of that Ilk took his title; it was a strong painted oak chest, with a lid, about two feet high; its use will be presently described. The great doors at the top of hall stairs were made fast by a massive oak beam, which was thrust back into a hole in the thickness of the wall when the doors were open.

What a rush that used to be up the old stairs; in an instant the half-doors of the hatches were closed up with a throng of excited breakfast fags, clambering on each other’s backs, and shouting, “Robinson, Jones, my own,” which being interpreted means a demand for trenchers and knives for his masters (some Præfect and Candlekeeper) and for the applicant himself; he being expected to provide two for each of the former, (if he only produced one, it would probably be used to test his descent from the founder,) “his own” were generally ethereal. The crowd and excitement were much greater at this than at either of the other hatches, inasmuch as the supply of trenchers and knives was limited, the latter especially, as they were found (and still oftener lost) by the boys themselves; whereas at the others, the supply of eatables was always certain.

Having secured his master’s trenchers, knife and fork, and bread and butter, the fag had to run down to Conduit to clean the butter, which was done by battering it against the trencher with a knife under a stream of water. This was easy enough in warm weather; but when cold it was a rather heart-breaking operation, as the butter then persisted in breaking up into crumbs, and rolling about the pavement. The butter washed, then came the toasting; the grates were spacious, but still not large enough for the crowd of toasters, especially as the four corners were occupied each by a boy engaged in frying or grilling potatoes, kidneys, bacon, or some other viands.

BREAKFAST IN HALL.

What acres of toast I have made at that fire! We had not proper toasting forks, but pieces of stick, called “Long Forks,” on which it was difficult to keep the toast, especially as it was always necessary to have at least one eye fixed on the batch already done, or awaiting the operation,—in either case generally placed against the edge of the fender; if your eye wandered for a minute, a dexterous lunge from some predacious long-fork transfixed the fruit of all your toil.

“Sic vos non vobis,” &c.

But I must not moralise too much on this iniquity, my own house being built somewhat after the fashion of the Crystal Palace.

Besides the toasting, there was cooking to be done; this was generally confined to frying and grilling, at which we used to be tolerable proficients; and I have often found this and other little accomplishments that I picked up in my Fagging experiences, useful in a somewhat varied after-life. We had a particular way of frying potatoes, which, to my taste, is superior to any other mode of dressing that invaluable vegetable.

I will give the receipt:—Take a dish of perfectly plain mashed potatoes, (we used always to use those that had been boiled the day previous,) put them on the fire in a frying-pan, with just sufficient butter to prevent them from sticking to its sides, and a little salt and pepper; keep stirring them about with a knife till they begin to darken in colour, then put them up with a knife into a cake, like a very thick omelette; fry till the lower side becomes a rich brown, then toss it over in the air; fry the other side in a similar manner, and serve up.

Mother Maskell, the worthy old nurse at Sick-House, used to preside over the tea department; and as the distance from Hall to Kitchen and back was at least a quarter of a mile, the breakfast fags had a lively time of it, and were not altogether sorry when middle school began at ten o’clock.

At one P.M. Hall was opened again, and a repast of boiled beef or pudding, with bread and cheese and beer, was served; the attendance on a fine day was generally limited to the grace singers, and the Præfect of Hall or Tub. The joints at the Præfects’ messes were generally kept for them, and the beef at the Ends given away. The puddings were usually preserved for Commoner friends; for, by a curious dispensation, they preferred the College puddings to their own, and we theirs to ours; so an exchange was generally effected: they decidedly had the best of the bargain, as we had pudding three times a week, and they only on Sundays. At grace time all the boys who were present at this meal, stood up on the dais on top of Hall, and the senior Præfect present used to go round with a cricket ball in his hand, and inspect their neckcloths to see whether or not they had their bands attached, the defaulters receiving three or four smart blows on the head (“conns”) with the ball, by way of reminder.

In summer time we were let out of afternoon school for a short time about four P.M., when there was a slight refection of bread and cheese laid out in Hall. It was called “Beever-time,” and the pieces of bread “Beevers.”

I now come to the crying evil of the times I write of, and of which I am happy to say I had but a slight experience, as during my time the whole system was entirely changed. The evil that I speak of, is the way in which the dinner was managed. All the other little discomforts that I may have undergone as a Junior, seem luxurious pleasures when I think of that infernal dinner hour. This meal took place at six o’clock P.M. in College, (in Commoners’ it was at one;) it was ample in quantity, and excellent in quality. That of the Præfects was nicely served up in joints, that of the Inferiors was divided into portions, (“Dispars;”) there were, if I remember rightly, six of these to a shoulder, and eight to a leg of mutton, the other joints being divided in like proportion. All these “Dispars” had different names; the thick slice out of the centre of the leg was called “a Middle Cut,” that out of the shoulder a “Fleshy,” the ribs “Racks,” the loin “Long Dispars;” these were the best, the more indifferent were the end of the shoulder, or “Cat’s head,” the breast, or “Fat Flab,” &c., &c.

On Sundays we had beef, except for six weeks at Easter, when we had veal. Potatoes were served up in pewter dishes, (“Gomers;”) they were not very good hot, and the Candlekeeper generally took possession of those served at his End, and had them kept till the next day for frying, as above described. Each End and Præfect’s mess had their beer served up in a large white jug, or “Bob.” The vessel used for the same purpose in Commoners was called a “Joram.” There was nothing to complain of in the dinner, though it would have been pleasanter if the meat had been served in joints instead of lumps, and if we had had plates instead of trenchers to eat it off; however, to the twenty Juniors at any rate, it was of very slight importance whether the dinner was comfortably served or not, as they seldom got any. The distribution was managed as follows: one of the cooks, escorted by the Præfect of Tub, brought up an immense tray, with a mountain of meat on it; this was taken first to the senior Candlekeeper’s end, and then to the others in succession. But only those boys who were at the End at the time it was brought were permitted to take their dinners, except the Candlekeepers, who were allowed to have theirs taken by proxy. As will be seen, it was simply impossible for the Juniors to be up to time, the consequence of which was that more than half the dinners were not taken; these were thrown into “Tub” at the end of Hall, whence they were ultimately taken away by some poor women, and I always understood, (though I am not certain that such was the case,) that the “Præfect of Tub” got a certain sum for each “Dispar” not taken, and so had a direct interest in managing that as many as possible should go without their dinner. I will now explain the absence of the Juniors; immediately the Præfects were seated, the whole Hall resounded with shouts of “Junior—Junior—Junior,” rising in savageness of tone, as the supply became exhausted; in five minutes all the Juniors were darting wildly about in all directions, executing orders received from their lords and masters; some to Colson’s hatch for salt, or down into cellar for beer, back to school for something forgotten, into chambers for a pint cup, down to kitchen for gravy, &c., &c. In the centre of Hall stood the senior Candlekeeper and Deputy, each armed with a long and supple ground ash, their business being to continue hitting every one who came within reach, so that it was absolutely necessary for every boy passing down Hall to run the gauntlet of one or the other; the only conceivable reason for this extraordinary arrangement being, I imagine, that in order to escape the sticks of the flagellators, the Fags dashed past them as fast as they could, and so got through what they had to do quicker. To escape this purgatory I have known boys lie underneath the beer butts in cellar during the whole of Hall time, and once a wretched fugitive was discovered hidden in the salt tub, into which he had managed to creep, and had let the lid down over himself afterwards. Happy the Junior who was “teejèed” by any Præfect, as he not unfrequently was presented by him with a plate of meat, or the remains of the joint, (called “a Mess,”) in which case he was exempt from Fagging as long as he was eating it, and it was extraordinary how difficult it became to pick a bone, and how long a small slice of meat could be made to last under such circumstances. Knives and forks being rare articles with the Juniors, we had some difficulty in getting rid of a dinner when given to us, unless the Præfect was good enough also to lend his implements. I remember seeing Skith with one end of a carcase of a hare in each hand, burrowing among the ribs with his nose and mouth in search of the tit-bits, which, to judge by the delight depicted on his countenance, were still remaining.

But let us escape from the din of Hall, and pay a visit to Kitchen. In the way we pass through “Ante-kitchen,” where is the familiar picture of the “Trusty Servant.”

THE TRUSTY SERVANT.

Effigiem servi si vis spectare probati,

Quisquis es, hæc oculos pascat imago tuos;

Porcinum os quocunque cibo jejunia sedat;

Hæc sera, consilium ne fluat, arcta premit.

Dat patientem asinus dominis jurgantibus aurem;

Cervus habet celeres ire, redire pedes.

Læva docet multum, tot rebus onusta, laborem;

Vestis munditiem, dextera aperta fidem.

Accinctus gladio, clypeo munitus; et indè

Vel se, vel dominum, quo tueatur, habet.

“A trusty servant’s portrait would you see,

This figure well survey, whoe’er you be;

The porker’s snout not nice in diet shows;

The padlock shut, no secret he’ll disclose.

Patient, to angry lords the ass gives ear;

Swiftness on errand the stag’s feet declare;

Laden his left hand, apt to labour saith;

The coat, his neatness; the open hand, his faith:

Girt with his sword, his shield upon his arm,

Himself and master he’ll protect from harm.”

Here may generally be seen a row of huge leather jugs about two feet high, (“Jacks,”) made of hippopotamus hide, and peculiar to Winchester, I believe; at any rate, a relative of mine who lived in one of the midland counties purchased a pair here every year, and he used to give me the commission, which I had the greatest pleasure in executing, as he always sent me a five-pound note to pay for them with, and could never be induced to take any change.

The Kitchen is a spacious apartment with a vaulted roof, occupying the entire height of the building on the west side of the quadrangle, and at least half its length; here we might see a few Fags endeavouring to coax Jem Sims, John Coward, Bill Bright, or mother Mariner, (the cooks,) for an extra supply of mashed potatoes, till Kitchen is cleared by the exasperated Manciple, who has just detected a delinquent in the act of secreting under his gown an armful of the small faggots used for lighting the kitchen fires, (called “Bill Brighters,”) an opportunity for purloining which was never allowed to slip by a Junior of a properly regulated mind.

It may be asked how the Fags managed to dine at all, and it would be difficult to answer; but somehow or other we did manage to eat at odd times, and plenty too, I suppose; at any rate we were always in excellent condition; there was ample food supplied by College, the opportunity of eating it only failed. The entire system is now completely changed; the boys dine at one o’clock, their dinner is as plentiful as ever, and properly served, with good cookery, plates, and knives and forks, and no Fagging whatever is allowed, the Choristers waiting, and a Master being present.

CHAPTER VII.
THE JUNIOR IN CHAPEL.

The Late Warden—The Antechapel—The Crimean Memorial—The New Tower—Hours of Service—The Oath—Cloisters.

Let us tread more gently as we pass through the gates of the beautiful chapel. Here at any rate our Junior finds some rest and quiet, and is for a period beyond the reach of the weary call of “Junior, Junior.” I feel that it is a subject that cannot worthily be treated of by my trivial pen. The most indifferent stranger cannot enter its sacred precincts without being struck by the air of peaceful solemnity that pervades it throughout; how much more, then, must he be affected who revisits, for the first time after many years, the spot where as a boy he so often listened to the swelling tones of the organ, or eloquent words of wisdom—often, alas! but too little heeded! What crowds of reflections are called forth as he gazes on the scene! How many resolutions have here been formed, and how have they been kept? Can he flatter himself that he is really more advanced on the narrow path than when he sat on those benches years and years ago?

I will not attempt to describe the edifice. Let the reader imagine a noble choir lighted with large windows of rich painted glass, through which the slanting rays of the sun throw a many-coloured glow over the wainscot and stalls of polished oak. How well I know every feature of those quaint figures of prophets and apostles; and as I sit in my stall and see the boys trooping in, it is difficult to realise that I am no longer one of them.

But time has made many changes in the upper ranks; the clear ring of the melodious tones of the accomplished Head-master’s voice may still be heard, but he alone remains. In vain we look for the stalwart form and genial countenance of the late beloved Warden, Barter, who, having filled his responsible office full thirty years, has gone to his rest. In the long list of his predecessors there has been none who was more universally beloved in life, and whose death has been more unfeignedly regretted.

On our way from Chapel we pass through Antechapel, now somewhat curtailed in its dimensions, the screen which separates it from Chapel having been moved in order to give room for the increased number of boys. The beautiful font, presented by the Head-master, and some mural tablets, (which formerly stood beneath the Tower,) have been removed to a small side chapel, the entrance to which is under the organ; one of these, erected to the memory of a young and lovely wife by her sorrowing husband, bears the following beautiful inscription:—

“I nimium dilecta, vocat Deus, I bona nostræ”

“Pars animæ, mærens altera disce sequi.”

In the vestibule leading to Cloisters, immediately opposite to the door of Antechapel, is the memorial erected by Wykehamists in memory of their brethren who fell in the Crimean war; it is worthy of its object, being beautifully executed in variegated marble. I have stood by their graves in the dreary Russian Chersonese, yet it seems but yesterday that I heard some of them answering their names at this very door.

THE CRIMEAN MEMORIAL.

INSCRIPTION ON THE CRIMEAN MEMORIAL.

The beautiful Tower attached to the Chapel had long been in rather a dilapidated condition, owing to its having been built on a very insecure foundation; it had inclined considerably to one side, a great crack had appeared on the contiguous wall of Chapel, which indeed it threatened to drag down, and it was considered unsafe to ring the bells. For these reasons the authorities determined to pull it down and rebuild it, stone for stone, with the old materials; this was commenced in 1860, and the work is now fully completed. It is called the “Tower of the Two Wardens,” in memory of the late Dr Williams, who was (many years Head-master of Winchester, and afterwards) Warden of New College, Oxford, and of Mr Barter, the late Warden of Winchester; while the work of reconstruction was going on, the opportunity was seized of enlarging the chapel by taking in part of the Antechapel, as described in a previous page. If the school continues to increase as it has done lately, this enlargement must, I think, be carried on further, and the whole of Antechapel be added to the main aisle. Beneath the Tower, on the southern side of the Antechapel, is the following inscription:—

In Memoriam,
DAVID WILLIAMS, I.C.D.,
HUJUS COLLEGII
XIV. ANNOS HOSTIARII: XII. INFORMATORIS
COLL. B.M. WINTON IN OXON
XX. ANNOS CUSTODIS,
VIRI CONSILIO DIGNITATE DOCTRINÂ,
HUMANITATE MUNIFICENTIA,
CANDORE MORUM, ET INTEGRITATE VITÆ,
SI QUIS ALIUS INSIGNIS.

In Memoriam,
ROBERT SPECKOTT BARTER,
I.C.B.,
HUJUS COLLEGII
XXIX. ANNOS CUSTODIS,
VIRI
OB BENEVOLENTIAM CORDIS ET LARGITATEM
CONSTANTIAM ANIMI ET FIDEM,
SUAVITATEM LIBERALITATEM PIETATEM,
NEMINI NON DILECTUM.

Utriusque geminorum horum Collegiorum decoris tutelæ columnæ

Utriusque intra unius anni spatium ad immortalia avocati

Hanc Turrim vetustate diu labantem denuo exædificandam, ab nomine Duorum Custodum

Perpetuo appellandum censuerunt Wiccamici sui A.S. MDCCCLXIII. posterorum causa

Id scilicet in animis habentes ut in ipsa acerbissimi desiderii recordatione manifestum facerent

Non in quibuslibet viris magnis nec in brevem aliquam hominum ætatem

Sed in omne tempus et in perpetua serie virorum ad horum exemplar

Sub his penetralibus ad omnia bona fortia fidelia enutriendorum

STARE REM WICCAMICAM.

The hours of worship (now, I believe, somewhat altered) used to be as follows:—At six A.M. in summer, at a quarter before seven in winter, at eight and at half-past ten A.M., and at five P.M., on Sundays,[6] Saints’-days, and Founder’s Anniversaries. On Fridays at eleven A.M., and on Saturdays at five P.M. the boys might be seen trooping across the quadrangle on their way to Chapel—on Sundays and on Saints’-days clad in white surplices. Besides this, every evening at nine prayers used to be read by the junior Præfect in Antechapel, who stood on the top of the steps leading up to one of the curtained and barred pews reserved for ladies, one of which was placed on each side of Antechapel; the fair occupants, not being allowed to enter the body of the chapel, were obliged to content themselves with looking and listening through the grating.

Once a year all the boys who had passed the age of fifteen, (and who had not previously gone through the same ceremony,) were marshalled into Chapel, and, under the inspection of “Semper Testis,” (the legal aide-de-camp of the College authorities,) went through the form of taking an oath. I have no distinct recollection of the form of the proceeding, (it is now abolished,) but I think the official above-mentioned read out a Latin document, and we were supposed to say Amen. I believe the gist of it was that we were to defend and befriend the college to the best of our ability, and never tell anybody what went on within its walls. I am sure I should require no compulsion to carry out the former obligation, should the occasion occur, and I had any possible means of fulfilling my duty, and if I have done no more harm in writing this little sketch of our proceedings at Winchester than infringing the latter, my conscience will not be much troubled. Although the making a number of thoughtless boys go through a ceremony of this kind may seem objectionable, yet it is not the part of a Wykehamist to exclaim against it, as, according to well authenticated tradition, Cromwell would have destroyed the College, had he not yielded to the urgent representations of one of his officers, who was a Wykehamist, and, mindful of his oath, succeeded in saving the noble establishment from its impending fate.

I must not take leave of Chapel without noticing the beautiful Cloisters, with a little gem of a chapel standing in the middle, surrounded by smooth green turf. It is now used as the Fellows’ library. I think it a pity that the Cloisters are so little seen, as they are very beautiful. The Fellows, in general, do not reside at Winchester, and I do not imagine that those who do spend any very great part of their time in such absorbing study that the movements of the Præfects in Cloisters on week days, and of the others on Sundays, would disturb them very much; to such an extent I think the boys might be admitted without danger of their injuring the building or the tablets on the walls. At present the extreme stillness of the place is somewhat overpowering.

CHAPTER VIII.
THE JUNIOR IN SCHOOL.

Description of School—Scobs—Officers—Division of Classes—Prizes and Medals—Long and Short Half—Easter Time—Commoners’ Speaking—Cloisters—Latin Composition—Flogging—Scraping and Shirking Out—Latin Verses—Pealing.

On descending Hall stairs, and turning sharp to the right through Seventh Chamber passage, we enter School Court. The School is a spacious edifice, (built in 1687,) ninety feet long, and thirty-six broad; it may be a handsome building by itself, but, like the adjacent Commoners, is not favourably contrasted with the venerable Gothic buildings of the College, of which they form part. In the south-west corner of School is the Throne of the Head, and, in the south-east, that of the Second Master; opposite to each are seats for the Under-Masters.

At each end of School are three tiers of benches rising gradually one above the other,—that on the ground being called “Senior Row,” and the others “Middle” and “Junior Row” respectively. On these the classes sit when “up at books,”—i.e., when repeating lessons,—four parallel double ranges of solid oak benches, intersected, at intervals of about four feet, by others, and firmly fixed to the floor, run from end to end of the room, except where broken by Commoners’ tables, (two tables, at which there is room for about thirty Commoners; the rest get places where they can,) by the fireplace, and the passage from it to the door; between these rows of benches are three broad passages down School. On every angle of these intersecting forms is placed a large oak box, with a double lid. Every College boy, and some Commoner Præfects, had one of these; and some of the Senior Præfects have four, others three, and the rest two. One of the lids of these boxes was generally kept up during School-time to ensure a certain degree of privacy to the occupant, the lower lid doing duty as a table; inside were kept the books and other belongings of the proprietor. They were called “Scobs,”—i.e., box phonetically spelt backwards.

High up on the wall, at the west end of the School, is a large tablet, with a mitre, crosier, sword, inkstand, and rod painted on it, with the words—

“Aut disce, aut discede, manet sors tertia cædi;”

which has been freely rendered—

“Work, walk, or be whopped.”

At the opposite end of School is another large tablet, on which is painted the

“Tabula legum Pædagogicarum,”

which gives the rules to be observed by the boys in Chapel, School, Hall, Quadrangle, Chambers, On Hills, and in All Places and Times.

School hours, in the times I write of, were from eight to nine A.M., (Morning School,) from ten to twelve, (Middle School,) and from two till six P.M., (Evening School;) at the close of which prayers were read by the Præfect of School.

On “Remedies,” (a kind of whole holiday,) we also went into School in the morning and afternoon for an hour or two without masters; this was called Books Chambers; and on Sundays, from four till a quarter to five. In “Cloister Time,” (v.i.,) Præfects, and senior part of the Fifth, went into School on Sundays from seven to eight, which period was called “Grotius Time.”

Order was kept during School hours by the Bible Clerk and Ostiarius, two of the Præfects, who held these offices in rotation,—the former lasting for a week, the latter for one day only. They paraded School armed with sticks, and brought up to the Head and Second Masters (who alone had the power of flogging) the names of the delinquents which had been “ordered” for punishment; the names of the more heinous offenders being confided to the Bible Clerk, the others to the Ostiarius. Just before School-time, a boy was always stationed to watch the arrival of the Master, of which he had to give notice by emitting a loud “Hiss,” upon which there was a general rush up to books; the previous uproar dwindled to a calm, and work began.

The School was divided into three classes, or “Books,” as they were called. Of these the Præfects formed one, “Sixth Book:” “Fifth Book” was subdivided into three parts, called respectively “Senior, Middle, and Junior part of the Fifth;” in speaking of them, the words “of the Fifth” were generally omitted. The rest of the boys made up “Fourth Book;” their instruction, however, was not carried on in School, but in another building adjoining, where the Præfects had a library, and in which the mathematics were taught. The Præfects and senior part did not change places from day to day, but only at the final examination in Election-week. In the other parts, the relative positions of the boys continually fluctuated, and their numbers were marked every day, at the beginning of Middle School, in a book called the “Classicus (or Cuse) Paper:” the individual who had the greatest number by the end of the half year “got the books,” (i.e., gained a prize.) These books were supposed to be given by the late Duke of Buckingham; now, I believe, they are really given by Lord Saye and Sele. The boy who had the lowest score at the end of any week, held the office of “Classicus” for the week following,—his duties being always to inform the other boys what was the particular lesson for the day, and what was the subject for the next vulgus verse or prose task. There were two gold medals for Composition,—for Latin verse and English prose, and for English verse and Latin prose, on alternate years; and two silver for Elocution, annually competed for; besides prizes given by Maltby, Bishop of Durham, for Greek verse, Latin verse, and Inferiors’ speaking; Sir William Heathcote, of Hursley, for Scholarship; and Mr Duncan, for Mathematics.

The School year was divided into two unequal parts. One, called “Short Half,” commenced about the beginning of September, and lasted till about the middle of December; the other, “Long Half,” from the beginning of February till the middle of July. The six weeks after Easter (“Easter-Time”) were devoted to the study of Greek Grammar, and once in each of these weeks there was competition in speaking, the best speakers being selected to display their oratorical powers on the final day, which was called “Commoners’ Speaking.” During the remaining weeks of Long Half, (“Cloister Time,”) Sixth Book and Senior part went up to books together; when thus combined, they were called “Pulpiteers.” Middle and Junior part were merged together in the same way—those in Junior part having the opportunity of rising into Middle part, and vice versâ. This combination was called “Cloisters,” and this period of the year “Cloister Time;” the distinguished post of “Cloister Classicus” was, I can tell from long experience, by no means a sinecure.

Efficiency in Latin composition, especially verse, and learning lines by heart, were (unfortunately for me) the surest means of rising in the School. Four days a week we had to write a short copy of verses of from four to six lines on a set subject; this was called a “Vulgus,” and was always written on half a quarter of a sheet of foolscap, (“a Vessel of Paper.”) Once a week, one of from ten to twenty, a “Verse Task,” (written on a quarter of foolscap;) and, once a week, also a “Prose Task.” We were always excused (“had Remission from”) Vulgus when the next day was a Saint’s-day; and if one fell on a Wednesday or Friday, our verse or prose task for the day previous was remitted. Præfects and Senior part also were encouraged to write, once or twice in the half-year, a copy of verses on any subject selected by themselves, which was called a “Voluntary.” From time to time, also, they had to write Latin criticisms on Greek plays, and the other boys to write an analysis of some historical work; these productions were called “Gatherings,” (or “Gags.”) In the last week but one of “Long Half,” all the boys, except those in Sixth Book and Senior part, had to say a number of lines; this was called ”Standing-up Week,” concerning which and “Election Week,” (the last week of the same half,) I will treat hereafter.

Flogging was not excessively frequent, and by no means severe. The rod consisted of a wooden handle about two feet and a half long, with four grooves at one end, into which were inserted four apple twigs; these branched off from the handle at so considerable an angle, that not more than one could touch the space of skin exposed,—about a hand’s-breadth of the small of the back, the waistcoat of the victim being raised to the necessary height. To obviate this to a certain extent, the “Rod-maker”—one of the Juniors charged with the care of these implements—had to twist them together so as to form one combined stick; generally, however, they separated after the second cut. I am told that these twigs are now cut so as to lie in a straight line with the rod, without any angle, which is a very disadvantageous change for the floggee. The ordinary punishment consisted of four cuts, and was called “a Scrubbing.” The individual who was to be punished was told “to order his name,” which he did by going to the Ostiarius, and requesting him to do so; that officer accordingly, at the end of School time, would take his name to the Master, who would then call it out, and the victim had to kneel down at Senior row, while two Juniors laid bare the regulation space of his back. The first time a boy’s name was ordered, the punishment was remitted on his pleading “Primum tempus.” For a more serious breach of duty, a flogging of six cuts (a “Bibler”) was administered, in which case the culprit had to “order his name to the Bible Clerk,” and that individual, with the help of Ostiarius, performed the office of Jack Ketch. If a boy was detected in a lie, or any very disgraceful proceeding,—a rare occurrence, I am happy to say,—he had to stand up in the centre of Junior row during the whole of the School time, immediately preceding the infliction of the flogging; this pillory process was called a “Bibler under the nail.” I have also heard, that for a very heinous offence a boy might be punished in Sixth Chamber, in which case the number of stripes was not limited; but I never knew an instance of this.

On one first of April, an impertinent boy undertook to make an April fool of the Doctor, and accordingly marched boldly up to his throne, and told him that he had torn his gown; and, on the rent not being found visible to the naked eye, suggested that it was the 1st of April; upon which he was told to order his name to the Bible Clerk. When Middle School was over, the Doctor put on his trencher cap, and called out, “Pincher, Bible Clerk, and Ostiarius!” (which meant that Pincher was to advance to receive his deserts, and the others to assist as masters of the ceremonies.) At the moment that the culprit was expecting to feel the sting of the apple-twigs across his backbone, the Doctor threw down the rods, saying, “Who is the fool now?” and was walking out of School, when the undaunted Pincher jumped up, and ejaculated, “It’s past twelve, Sir!”

Ordinary offences of a trifling character, such as being late for Chapel, or “Shirking Hills,” (v.i.,) were punished by the infliction of an imposition,—generally thirty lines of Virgil, English and Latin. I think I must have written out the Æneids of Virgil and Odes of Horace half-a-dozen times during my sojourn at Winchester. Indeed, being naturally of a prudent disposition, whenever I had nothing particular to do, I used to write out a few lines, and thus gradually became possessed of a small capital of a thousand lines or so, on which I could draw at any pressing emergency.

If a boy had occasion to speak to a Master, and while he was up at books, the correct thing was to keep his gown buttoned at the top; and if he wished to go out of School, he wrote his name on a slip of paper, (or “Roll,”) with the following sentence:—“Ostiarii veniâ potitus, tuam pariter exeundi petit;” he then asked leave of the Ostiarius to “put up his roll,” which being granted, he deposited it on the Master’s desk, and made his exit. When a Præfect wanted to go out, he went to a corner Scob near the door, and “scraped” with his feet until he attracted the Master’s attention, and obtained a nod of consent. At one particular time of the year, (I think it was during Saturday evening School in Easter week,) two Commoners and one College Inferior might collectively scrape out together. Only about half-a-dozen boys were allowed to be out at one time; but I have known some steal out on the sly, without any preliminary formality. On a fine summer afternoon, the Doctor might accidentally cast his eye over School, and observing that it had rather a deserted expression, would send out the Bible Clerk and Ostiarius to make a foray in Meads, who would presently return with a flock of truants; it being impossible to flog such a number, it was usual to make them “cut in a book,”[7] to settle which half-a-dozen should be distinguished in this manner.

SCHOOL.

The educational system at Winchester is, I believe, most excellent, and turns out a very superior article in many cases. I am sorry that I cannot point to myself as a brilliant example. When I was in Junior part, I was under a Master who used to curb my ascending energies by making me always stand up junior, and not allowing me “to take up” even when we went up to the Doctor for our monthly examination. He used also to employ the following method of repressing any little eccentricities on my part; he would call me up to the side of his desk, and putting his hand affectionately on my shoulder, mildly remonstrate with me, gradually his hand would creep up, and a finger entwine itself in the hair above and a little in front of my ear, and he would impress on me the more salient points of his lecture by a steady screw of the finger. This treatment ultimately became very tiresome; so one day, just as the screw-powder was being laid on, I emitted a yell, that made the Doctor bound again in his chair, and brought every boy in the school on his legs. After this my hair was allowed to curl naturally. In the middle of the half year this Master left, and his place was filled by another. The reader will be as much surprised as I was, when he hears that at the end of that half I got the books! If any one doubts the fact, I can show them the volume in question, with a statement in it endorsed by his Grace the late Duke of Buckingham, that my morals were excellent, and my habits of application most praiseworthy. I was accordingly promoted into Middle part, and when the next half year I proudly ascended to my new position, I had visions of a fellowship at New College, and a shadowy notion of the woolsack in futurity. Neither of these fancies, however, have yet been accomplished. If it were not that owing to the inclemency of the season this autumn, the grapes are so very backward, I should be inclined to make some remarks touching the former disappointment.

My new Master unfortunately thought that I was incorrigibly idle, and in my Latin verses and lines showed me no mercy. I struggled hard for a year, (oh, the many hours that I have sat up in bed and paced up and down School, trying to drive the requisite number of lines into my head for the next morning’s repetition,) and after that his opinion gradually became more correct. Unfortunately for me, our places were always marked every morning immediately after the repetition of lines; and as I invariably went to the bottom then, it mattered little how much I had risen previously, and I was “Semper (always) Classicus;” and so if I had remained at Winchester, I should have been to the present day.

I must also admit that I was not strong in Latin verse. I remember writing a copy once that I thought was beyond criticism, and was much disgusted when I found that the Master thought that “pius Æneas” was not a suitable termination to an Hexameter line. I was not, however, alone in this want of true poetic feeling. My worthy friend Podder one day produced the following Pentameter:—

“Lēŏ rĕx bēllŭărūm ūt cæ̆tŭs ēst pĭscĭūm.”

For the benefit both of those who do, and those who do not, understand Latin, I will mention that the translation of the above was meant to be—

“The lion is the king of beasts, as the whale is of fishes.”

Will Bumpus forgive me if I relate an instance of his ingenuity? He quietly took the following line from Horace, and served it up as an Hexameter of his own composition:—

Dūlcē|ēt dē|cōrūm|ēst prō|pātrĭâ|mōrī.|

On the inexpediency of this being suggested to him, he was setting to work to alter it, when suddenly a bright thought flashed across his mind; he knew the line was out of Horace, so that if it wasn’t an Hexameter, it must be a Pentameter; so up it came—

Dūlcĕ ĕt|dēcōr|ūm|ēst prŏpă|triă mŏ|rī.

The rest being tragic, I will break off here, and having given the reader enough of myself and my shortcomings, will proceed to more general subjects.

We had some singular customs at the commencement of Cloister time. Senior part and Cloisters, just before the entrance of the Masters into School, used to engage in a kind of general tournament; this was called “Cloister Roush;” each party used to charge from their respective ends of School till they met in the middle; it was a good-humoured affair; fists were not used, but only wrestling and hustling. Another remarkable custom was that of “Cloister Pealing.” At the commencement of Cloister time, for a few minutes before the hiss was given, the vast gulf that usually existed between Præfects and Inferiors was temporarily broken down. All the boys in Cloisters being assembled up at books, proceeded to chant the praises of the popular or severe criticisms on the unpopular, Præfects, in short Latin, Greek, or English epigrams. I am happy to say that the complimentary species generally preponderated. Well do I remember the enthusiasm with which we chanted on one occasion—

Ζωή μου σᾶς ἀγαπῶ.

Ζωή being the nickname of one of the senior Præfects, Rich in all those physical and moral qualities that endear an athletic youth to his younger school-fellows. I might give some examples of Peals, which the reader might find more amusing than the subjects found them complimentary, but for obvious reasons I abstain.

In Commoners also there was an entirely different description of “Pealing,” which will be described in the chapter on Standing up and Election Week.

CHAPTER IX.
THE JUNIOR ON A LOCKBACK HOLIDAY.

Fagging Choristers—Crutch—Currell—Concerts—Fighting—How to Catch the Measles—“Books Chambers.”

When the weather was too bad on a Holiday or “Remedy” to go on to Hills, we used to pass the day principally in school; the gate of Seventh Chamber passage being locked, and communication with Chamber Court being cut off, it was called a “Lockback.”

On leaving morning chapel on such a day we adjourned at once to school, when the Fags would by no means have an idle time of it. The instant they arrived “Junior! Junior! Junior!” would resound on every side, and in every conceivable tone of gentle entreaty, slight impatience, and vehement indignation, according to the temper of the caller, or duration of the call. Then the valets had to arrange their master’s washing things on Commoners’ table, for few of the Præfects condescended to wash before chapel. Others were sent, with all kinds of commissions, to “Blue gate,” (a door in the west wall of School court, which opened into a side passage running along the outside of the kitchen buildings, to outer gate,) which was pierced with a hole about a foot square, through which the Choristers were called and received their orders, and through which they handed any articles they might have been sent for; the scene here was similar to that at Whitesman’s hatch at breakfast time, (v. s.) crowds of Fags jostling round the hole and clinging to the bars screaming “Chorister! Chorister!” at the top of their voices, in frantic eagerness to catch the eye of the first Chorister, the clatter of whose hobnailed boots would be heard coming up the flint pavement a long time before the wearer could be seen. When he did appear the cry was, “Fagging for me;” or, more generally, instead of “me,” the name of the Præfect for whom the message was to be sent was used, as more likely to carry weight with the Chorister.

The little Choristers had hard work of it; they were soon scattered all over the town,—to La Croix’s for a pint of coffee and twopenn’orth of biscuits, or a “Tizzy tart;” to Nevy’s (this gentleman supplied edibles at Commoners’ field; I suppose he once had an uncle or an aunt, and so got his nickname; if he ever had any other name nobody knew it, and I doubt if he did himself) for strawberries and cream, or Burney’s biscuits; to Flight’s for sallyluns; to Forder’s for buns; to Stone’s, to Drew’s, to Raymond’s for anything you like, besides innumerable errands to the boot-maker, tailor, circulating library, &c., &c.

One of the most common and disagreeable orders for a Junior to receive on these wet mornings was to get a pint cup; as at the commencement of the half year the stock-in-trade for the whole College consisted of about two dozen, and as they were by no means “College ware,” i.e., not easily broken, in a few weeks they became rather scarce articles, but no Junior being ever allowed to say he “couldn’t” procure anything he was told to get, he had to depart on his hopeless errand, and, not succeeding, receive the usual reward.

As the day wore on some of the Præfects would subside into the comfortably stuffed seats between their scobs, and set to work “Mugging,” (reading hard,) only occasionally lifting up their voices to call “Junior!”: other boys would take to playing chess, or some other quiet game; while the more noisily disposed would indulge in practising jumps over the Commoners’ tables, playing Hicockolorum, or Crocketts, (miniature cricket, with a stump and a fives ball,) to the great detriment of Præfect of School’s windows.

Presently Seventh Chamber passage would open and admit Crutch, (I wonder what his name really was,) a knowing-looking little man, whose occupation was that of surgeon to those cricket and fives bats that had received severe wounds; and he was such a skilful operator that a bat always seemed to rise like a Phœnix from its ashes after passing through his hands; a clamorous crowd would speedily surround the bat-surgeon, to supply him with fresh patients, or consult him on the constitution of others. Currell, also, would be likely to come in on a wet day,—when I say Currell, I mean a hair-cutter, for there were two or three of them, but whoever the individual was, to the boys he was always “Currell.” One of them operated on me yesterday; as he was combing my luxuriant locks, he remarked:—“Hair not quite so thick, sir, as it used to was in the old times; very fine ’ead of ’air then, sir. Remember when you came, before New Commoners’ was built; great changes since then. Old Poole dead at last, sir. Doctor’s nephew is a master now, sir; has an ’ouse in Kingsgate Street, and takes in young gents,” &c., &c. But I don’t think he could have told me much more, as I find that having my hair cut is not nearly so tedious an operation as it used to be.

On the dark afternoons in the short half, for about an hour before hall time, (six o’clock,) the boys used to assemble round the fire, the Juniors sitting on the stone steps, and the Præfects on scobs ranged in a semicircle in front; two large vessels of egg-flip were placed in the middle, from which the contents were scooped out with pint cups, and we used to sing lustily, if not well. I trust that the repertoire of songs has been changed since those days; indeed, before I left all the more objectionable ones were expunged. We always began with “When good King Arthur reigned,” and then followed promiscuously “The Bay of Biscay,” “The Workhouse Boy,” “John Barleycorn,” “Three Jolly Postboys,” “Betsy Baker,” “Captain Bold,” “The Overseer,” “I Loves a Drop of Good Beer,” “Fox went Out one Moonshiny Night,” “Tally ho! Hark away,” &c.

EGG-FLIP NIGHT.

Amongst two hundred boys quarrels would occasionally arise, which were generally adjusted, when the principals were at all equally matched, by an appeal to that old British weapon—the Fist. Fights were by no means exceedingly frequent, and when they did come off, were conducted with all due solemnity. School on a Lockback day was a very favourite arena, and differences were also settled on Hills and on “Sicily,” (a triangular piece of grass just at the entrance into Meads,) where I have also seen a main of cocks fought. I will not give an account of an ideal fight, as everybody has already read the particulars of that one so graphically written by my excellent friend Tom Brown, with whose sentiments on the subject in general I cordially concur, and I strongly recommend my readers to take down their copy of the book from its shelf at this moment, and reperuse that portion of it. To the best of my recollection, I was only once engaged in a bonâ fide set-to of the kind in question; but I flatter myself that this was a very remarkable contest, being well remembered for some little time by the fortunate spectators. We commenced operations immediately after morning chapel, and did not lay down our arms till the hiss was given for morning school; we were then squaring-up for the forty-ninth round. I got my head considerably punched in the first few rounds, during which indeed it was seldom out of Chancery, but I improved as we got on, and felt quite sorry when we were obliged to give up; neither of us, however, had afterwards the slightest anxiety to renew the engagement, and we always continued the best of friends, having, from practical experience, learnt mutual respect for each other; and whenever in after life I have had the pleasure of meeting my old antagonist, we have never failed in conversation to fight our battle over again.

A good deal of practice with single stick, foils, and boxing-gloves, went on in school also; I was one day exercising the latter instruments with Pudding, when I received a blow in the throat which made me feel very uncomfortable, and we left off; I got worse and worse, and finally had to apply for leave from school; I then went down to sick house, was rather feverish that evening, and awoke next morning with—the Measles.

On “Remedies” from eleven till twelve, and from four till five there was an attempt at keeping order in school, under the presidence of the unfortunate French Master, who, I fear, had rather a warm time of it, in endeavouring, with the assistance of the Bible Clerk and Ostiarius, to maintain anything like a proper command over us. These hours of mitigated study were called “Books Chambers.”

CHAPTER X.
THE JUNIOR IN MEADS.

“Watching out”—Cricket Reminiscences—Lord’s Matches—Turf—Football—Six and Six—Twenty-two and Twenty-two—SS and Trees—Fines—Sick-House—Gooseberry Fool—“Going Continent”—Long Meads—Enlargement of Meads.

As I said before, I must confess that as a Junior I did not on the whole look upon a holiday as a peculiar blessing; indeed I used to watch the applicant for a Remedy with much interest, and profound was my secret disgust when it was granted, and ill-concealed my satisfaction if it was refused.

My reason for this was the unlimited extent to which “Watching out” at cricket was enforced on us. I believe that this is now altered, the time being limited to one hour on a school-day, and two on a holiday, which amount is healthy for the boys, and very useful, inasmuch as it initiates them into one of the most useful branches of a public-school education—the science of cricket. But it is quite possible to have too much of a good thing. I have been, on a Saint’s-day, (this, however, was an extreme case, and did not occur often,) ordered down to watch out in Meads early in the morning before breakfast, and not allowed to quit the ground, (except to attend chapel,) till dark, the whole time without a hat, often in a broiling sun; at breakfast time and one o’clock one of the Fags would be sent up to bring down food, which we ate on the ground. In order to effect this day’s work, we had (if we could not get leave, and I think only three were allowed) to shirk Hills three times, for each of which we were liable (if discovered, by names being called, as was generally the case) to an imposition. And when the day’s entertainment commenced by a big Præfect, about twenty-two years old, placing a boy about ten paces behind the wickets as Longstop to a fast bowler, pointing significantly to a spare stump stuck in the ground close by, and remarking, with a savage scowl, “Now, you look here, you young ⸺, you see that stump, the first ball you miss I’ll cut you in three pieces—body, soul, and legs,” I think it will be admitted that to that Longstop at any rate a holiday would not be regarded as a very great privilege, especially when Nestor was not at all the boy (man, I should rather say) not to endeavour conscientiously to fulfil any promise of the kind above mentioned. I again repeat, this is an extreme case; and now, even if the will were present, the opportunity would be wanting. Happy was the boy who succeeded in making a catch, as in that case he was excused from watching out for the rest of the day; still more serene must have been the existence of the mustard and pepper keeper—the responsible duties of which office relieved the fortunate holder from service in the field.

But what adepts we became in fielding under this rough treatment! I would in those days stop a ball with my left hand, which, if I now saw coming towards me, I should diligently avoid touching at all. So “there is no cloud but has its silver lining;” and, perhaps, if in these latter days Winchester has not held the laurels in cricket quite so firmly as of old, it is in some respects owing to the mitigated apprenticeship served by the boys in their Fagging days. This, alas! is not of much consequence now, since it has been deemed expedient by the authorities to put an end to the public-school matches at Lord’s, which tended so much to produce a wholesome feeling of patriotic rivalry among the boys, and were always looked forward to by all Wykehamists as the pleasantest rendezvous of the year, where their spirits were refreshed by talking over past times with old friends seldom seen but at those reunions.

I have heard, from the best authority, that the principal reason for no longer permitting the Winchester boys to contend with Harrow and Eton in the public arena at Lord’s is, that their parents complained that they were put to great inconvenience by having to send up their sons to London in the middle of the holidays, that they were put to considerable expense, and the boys exposed to many temptations. These objections are valid ones, I admit; but, I think, not insurmountable. As regards the expense, I am certain that a fund could easily be raised that would cover all the travelling expenses of the eleven for the next ten years; and as regards the exposure of the boys to temptation, I am sure that, even if they had no relations resident in London who could put them up, were the want made known, hospitable doors would open in sufficient number, not only to take in the eleven, but the whole school, if required; and the boys’ proceedings would be as carefully looked after as if they were at home. And I cannot doubt but that the old school is lowered in the eyes of the public by its absence from the annual contest at Lord’s, and that other schools will gradually usurp the position as one of the first in England, which it has held for so many centuries.