New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1903-10-14
WESTMINSTER BOYS.
Life an Gu Historic School.

REcoLLEcTToNs OF A TOWN BOY At WEST WEST,
Octave. pp. 2S2- Longmans. Green & Co
The sold boy who gives his early memories
In these pages addresses himself more particu-
LARRY TO his school fellows OF days long past
but the customs he chronicles are so quaint and
his gossip is so amusing that he is justified IN
seeking wider audience. Westminster is one
Of the Oldest schools in Britain 1t existed in the
time OF Edward l. and was gr ly comforted
and enlivened by benefactions from the judi
cious hand OF Queen Elizabeth. From her reign
date the massive tables and benches which
were made from "A ada oak. and are still TO
be seen in the college hall. The school, we are
reminded was ever closely connected with the
abbey both by charter and situation and the
pupils have had their regularly allotted peWs
ana place Of admission. The Houses Of Parlia-
rnent were also within the school pounds
and the scholars claimed right to enter. the
doorSeepers contending that this right belonged
only TO collegers arrayed in cap and gown
Royalty in the person of George III has ac-
knowledged the excellent discipline Of the
school The Bishop OF Chester-who was for
rner head master Of westminster-was appoint
ed governor to the two princes. George emu
Frederick When he asked the King how he
wanted his sons educated the father answered;
Like the sons OF any private English gentle
man: II they deserve it. let them be logged
DO as ~ou used TO do at Westminster" The
student Of the social history Of England must
believe that the good bishop spared the rod and
helped 10 spoil the boys.
One Of the ancient customs OF the school was
that OF Tossing the Pancake. This ceremony
took place on Shrove Tuesday, in the presence
OF all the masters and pupils, and a sovereign
was presented TO the winner Of the pancake
All being seated. the doors were thrown open;
A procession OF two entered: a verger Of the
Abbey. bearing his silver mace with the arms
of Westminster on the TOP, commonly called
his holy poker" followed by the College cook,
Tolfrey by name. IN correct white costume. fat
white cap and apron. with frying pan IN hand,
containing a large pancake. The pancake was
OF peculiar formation. about half an inch thick.
and kneaded up with any amount OF horsehalr
20 give II consistency.
The cook took his stand few PAGES below
the great iron bar which divided the school IN
half By this time all the school were crowd
ing down the benches TO the point where the
pancake might De expected 10 fall "A signal
was given, the cook measured his distance, ana
with swing OF the arm sent the pancake flying
over the bar. II he missed his shot he was
''booked"-i e., had books thrown al him-but
never saw that occur. Then the whole school
broke loose and rushed 10 catch the pancake
as it FELL or to grab il on the floor. Then for ten
minutes there was q whirling mass or
struggling lads which gradually subsidized. when
IN general little nothing Of the pancake re-
NAMED and Y not secured practically whole no
sovereign could be claimed.
4
pancake captured and the sovereign won.
delicate little boy pushed in the struggle
and fell forward on the pancake. He grasped
his opportunity apd the pancake, unbuttoned
HIS waistcoat as he lay upon the floor slipped
the pancake in. buttoned up again. and then
managed 10 wr-isgle out Of the scrimmage on
his hands and knees" This queer performance,
dating back TO olden times was generally called
by westminsters the Pancake Grease"
Once a year. when Liddell head master,
epigrams were recited by the boys, the rewards
being unmilled silver pieces. Edward Water
neld. q town boy. produced the most successful
Two men wrote a iexicon-Liddel and Scott
Some parts were right some parts were not
Now come all ye wise men, and solve me this
riddle:
why the wrong parts wrote Scott and the right
parts wrote Liddel2
The amused head master let this sharp small
boy escape unscathed with his silver penny.
The epigram had its rise in LiddelTs frequent
objection 70 some translation made by a pupil.
The culprit would plead. Please, sir. found it
used that way in your lexicon" and LiddeIl
would answer Scott wrote that part