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| Montem Mound, Bath Road, February 1997 |
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| Brief Description: Close view of Montem Mound showing gate through fence and an information sign. The Mound was the historical site of the Eton Montem processions and traditions such as 'collecting salt' from passing travellers. |
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| Subject Date: February 1997 |
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| Creator: L H Harris |
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| Owner: Slough Library |
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| Contributor: Slough Library |
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| Full Description: Montem Mound is an ancient monument, well known not due to its age or origin, but a bizarre Eton College ceremony dating back hundreds of years.
The Eton Montem was originally an initiation ritual. Its first known record is of 1561, though the ceremony almost certainly predates this. The ceremony evolved into a fake 'military' march by the boys of the College, who collected 'salt' (money) from visitors and passers-by.
The Royal Family attended the ceremony regularly and enthusiastically, making generous donations. 'Montems' generally raised several hundreds of pounds, later even around £1000, once costs (including food and repairs of damage caused by revellers) were deducted. The remainder of the money went to the Senior Colleger to cover his expenses of studying at Cambridge.
In its later years the Eton Montem was held only once every three years. The final march took place in 1844, after which it was discontinued, as the last two ceremonies had attracted unwelcome and rowdy crowds brought by train from London. |
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| Place: Slough ; Chalvey ; Bath Road |
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| Dimensions: 8.2 x 12.5 cm |
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| Subject: Parks ; Monuments |
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| Name Subject: Montem Mound ; |
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| Content Type: Photo Black and White |
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| Location: Slough Library |
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| Local Ref: I2313c |
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| Unique ID: sl-sl-2313c_montemmound-i-00-000.tif |
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| IPR: Slough Library |
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