History’s Roll Call: A Guide to Eton Town and its College

Eton is a historic town in the shadow of Windsor Castle, but is perhaps better known for its prestigious boys’ school. On this walking tour, you’ll hear the centuries of fascinating history that have shaped this remarkable small town and its world-famous college.

The tour starts at Windsor Bridge and guides you through Eton’s storied past and vibrant present. As you walk up the High Street, you’ll pass ancient inns and distinguished tailors that have made Eton’s distinctive uniform for generations. You’ll see the grounds of Eton College, founded by King Henry VI in 1440, where princes, prime ministers, and poets have studied for nearly six centuries.

The tour dips through the College area, along peaceful playing fields, and back to the bustling High Street. On your way back to Windsor Bridge, you’ll discover how this small town of just 4,500 residents has preserved its historic character while maintaining deep connections to royalty, literature, and sporting traditions.

On this Eton walking tour, you’ll also have a chance to:

• Discover curious wall markings allegedly made by nervous students awaiting exams
• Take a photo at the 007 lamp post that supposedly inspired Ian Fleming to give his famous James Bond character this particular number
• Spot the unusual black plates on historic buildings that prevented walls from bowing outward, a technique first developed by Roman architects
• View Sir Antony Gormley’s “Edge II“ sculpture, cleverly hidden high on a building façade
• Marvel at a rare Victorian fluted pillar box from 1856, located in the first village in England to have a Post Office
• Admire the ornate Victorian “Burning Bush“ lamp post that incorporates elements of Eton’s coat of arms
• Walk across a Thames tributary over Barnes Pool Bridge, which dates back to 1274 and features the only remaining route marker from London’s 1908 Olympic Marathon
• Examine the remarkable metal rungs that are used for Eton’s famous Wall Game, a unique sport dating back to 1766

By the end of this delightful 40-minute tour through Eton, you’ll have a sense of how history, education, and tradition have harmoniously coexisted in this charming town for centuries.

The route is easily walkable, with plenty of photo opportunities and fascinating stops along the way.