ECR 60 10 04

Reference code

ECR 60 10 04

Title

King's Scholars: Elections

Level

Sub-series

Administrative / Biographical history

Elections took place annually between 7th July and 15th August. After the date was decided a notice was nailed up on the College gates announcing the forthcoming election. At the appointed time the Provost of King's, accompanied by two Fellows called Posers, came to Eton and in Election Chamber the previous year's roll was cancelled, usually by cutting it. The Electors then proceeded to elect a number of boys to fill vacancies that might occur the following year in both foundations and so make a new roll. The Statutes required the Electors to act without taking notice of any outside pressure and certainly the election of Edmund Barber at the instance of Charles II was noted as if it was something exceptional. (6/10/2/1). However, by the nineteenth century the examination was a mere formality, based on prepared books, while the roll for King's was based on age and seniority. If eligibility was an issue the Visitor might be asked to give a ruling. In 1842 Eton introduced a proper examination and in 1861, following reform of the King's Statutes, the old system of election to King's was abolished. The Electors' role became increasingly limited to approving an order suggested by the examiners, who were chosen from the masters, and in 1961 the choice was delegated to a committee and the physical cancellation of the old roll stopped.