Page "Harrow School" Paragraph 4

The school grew gradually over time but growth became rapid during Imperial times as British prosperity grew.

Lyon died in 1592, leaving his assets to two causes, the lesser being the school, and by far the greater beneficiary being the maintenance of a road to London, 10 miles ( 16 km ) away.

The school owned and maintained this road for many years following Lyon ’ s death and the whole school still runs along this 10 mile road in an event called “ Long Ducker ” every November.

At its beginning, the primary subject taught was Latin, and the only sport was archery.

Both subjects were compulsory ; archery was dropped in 1771.

Although most boys were taught for free, their tuition paid for by Lyon's endowment, there were a number of fee-paying " foreigners " ( boys from outside the parish ).

It was their presence that amplified the need for boarding facilities.

By 1701 for every local there were two foreign pupils ; this was used as a way to generate funds for the school as fees increased.

By 1876 the ratio was so high that John Lyon Lower School was brought under the authority of the governors of the Upper School so that the school remained within its charge of providing education for the boys of the parish.

It is now known as The John Lyon School and is a prominent independent school in England.

It maintains close links with Harrow.

The majority of boarding houses were constructed in Victorian times, when the number of boys increased dramatically. Old Schools