ABSTRACT
The largest single group of parents who sent their sons to Ellesmere College between 1929 and 1950 had their own businesses in Manchester, Liverpool, the Potteries and surrounding rural counties, within reach of the school. The network of relationships between public and preparatory schools was the most common source of information and recommendations which led parents to consider Ellesmere College. The orderings of school, emphasising the authority of older men and subordination of women, reinforced lessons already learned at home in the family. Education at a public school was about manliness: boys learning to be men from men and other boys. Conceptions of manliness varied among the parents, masters and boys. While parents emphasised academic qualifications, which would lead to independence in a secure and respected social position, the values of the schoolboy culture held the tough physique, leadership and courage of the captain of rugby as the supreme model of masculinity.
