Life at Eton could be tough in the 18th century, to the extent that even the prospect of free board and education could not tempt enough parents to send their sons to the school, with only 55 scholars’ places filled. For the Oppidans who paid for their accommodation, the standards varied enormously. Boarding houses were run as private concerns by Dames, some of whom had an eye for any potential profit to be had.
Housed in the archives are several bills sent to the parents of Wadham Wyndham between 1791 and 1794 [ED 141]. Wyndham’s dame was Margaret Davies, sister to Jonathan Davies, Headmaster of Eton 1773-1791. She and her boarders lived at Evans’, and we can see that half a year’s board cost £15. However, there are then additional charges made for a study to work in, fires and candles, washing facilities, mending clothes, soap for hands, cleaning shoes, and even an extra £2 10s to have a bed to himself.
Wadham Penruddock Wyndham was born on the 16th October 1773, the eldest son of Henry Penruddocke Wyndham. On leaving Eton, he joined the Wiltshire Militia, before entering Parliament as MP for Salisbury in 1818. He died on the 23rd October 1843.
Eleanor Hoare, College Archivist
