I'm trying to locate more information about the early education of two Oxfordshire men but I'm finding difficulties locating sources of information, such as school record books. I'm sure that others have been here before me ... I know that George Ernest LAMBOURNE was born in 1876 and educated at Oxford High School. He was later at Balliol in Oxford (certainly from 1897 to 99, when he left age 24; this was probably a second degree in preparation for the civil service; I am in contact with the university over possible earlier attendance and to try to find the date of his matriculation) and have some information from that period, but I lack details of his boyhood education other than the school name. The second is William Harold BROTHERTON, born in Woodstock in 1876; he was at Queens from some time before 1896 (perhaps 94 or 95; he does not appear in the Alumni though he is in the Oxford Historical Register for 1200 - 1900) until 1898. He was most probably educated in Woodstock, but I am only guessing from his family still living there. Which also triggers a third question: during this period, late 1800s, what would have been involved in going to school or university? The families concerned were not landowners; they were certainly well off, but tradesmen rather than anyone wealthy. Did you pay to go to school? Was university only for those rich enough to pay, or was there an exam to ascertain suitability before you were permitted to matriculate? Are there any good general books covering this sort of topic with relevance to Oxfordshire? Any suggestions are welcome. Chris Howes

Dear Chris, > ... > Which also triggers a third question: during this period, late 1800s, what > would have been involved in going to school or university? The families > concerned were not landowners; they were certainly well off, but tradesmen > rather than anyone wealthy. Did you pay to go to school? Was university only > for those rich enough to pay, or was there an exam to ascertain suitability > before you were permitted to matriculate? Are there any good general books > covering this sort of topic with relevance to Oxfordshire? Both going to Oxford and obtaining the necessary education before university would have entailed some expense at the time. I don't know about "general" books, but I would suggest: 1) There is a fairly recent "History of the University of Oxford", published in 8 volumes (OUP) - including 2 covering the 19th century and 1 covering the 20th. This is too expensive for a casual purchase, but the question of who attended the university may be covered, if you can obtain a copy through your library. 2) The University of Oxford published at "Oxford University Handbook", which was intended for the information of those seeking admission. I have a copy of the 1915 edition, which was apparently the 21st edition. Second-hand copies are, I should think, easily obtained. There is an online version of an earlier edition here: http://www.archive.org/details/oxforduniversit05oxfogoog This contains more detail than you probably want. The preface to the 1915 edition states that "It describes ... the conditions of admission and residence enforced by the University and Colleges; the courses of stury and examinations necessary for the attainment of degrees and diplomas... It gives a very complete account of the scholarships and prizes offered by the university and colleges ..." Each college provides details of the expenses likely to be incurred. For Queen's College in 1914/1915, the recurring charges are estimated as: Tuition, £7 10s per term (3 terms a year); room rent, £2 10s to £7 per term; establishment (for the running of the college) about £5 15s per term. The college seems to have offered the option of making a payment of £28 per term to cover almost all college and university expenses, except "gate fines, messenger, fuel, lanudress, groceries, and beer." There were some other one-off payments on admission and graduation. Best wishes Paul -- Paul Betteridge, Leafield, Oxfordshire pbetteridge@pobox.com

Many thanks to both Paul and David for your information about Oxford schools - I'm following up the suggested leads. Chris Howes