ETON-HARROW MATCH

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLVII, Issue 235, 1 September 1927, Page 11

ETON-HARROW MATCH

BYRON’S DESCRIPTION. k, THEATRE RAG AFTERWARDS. A letter written by Byron to Charles Gordon describing an Eton and Harrow match in which he played, and the ensuing “rag” realised £350 at Sotheby’s, London. It was bought at tho instance of a number of old Harrovians, who will present it to tho school. Byron’s letter, written on August 4, 1805, from Burgage Manor, Southwell, gave the following description of the match: — “We have played Eton, and were most confoundedly beat. < However, it was some comfort to me that I got 11 notches the first innings and seven the second, which was more than any of our side, except Brockman and Ipswich could contrive to hit.

“Later, to be sure, we were most of us rather drunk, and went together to the Haymarket Theatre, where we kicked up a row, as you may suppose, when so many Harrovians and Etons met at one place. I was one of seven in a hackney coach, four 'Eton and three Harrow fellows.

“We all got into tho same box. The consequence was that such a devil of a noise arose that none of our neighbours could hear a word of the drama, at which not being highly delighted they began to quarrel with us, and we nearly came to a battle royal.”