Cambridge.
250. _Seventeenth of November: Custom._--When at school at Christ's
Hospital, many years ago, a curious custom prevailed on the 17th
November respecting which I had not then sufficient curiosity to
inquire.
Two or more boys would take one against whom they had any spite or
grudge, and having lifted him by the arms and legs would bump him on the
hard stones of the cloisters.
I have often, since I left the school, wondered what could be the origin
of this practice, and more especially as the day was recognised as
having some connexion with Queen Elizabeth.
In reading, "Sir Roger de Coverley" with notes by Willis, published in
the _Traveller's Library_, I find at p. 134. what I consider a fair
explanation. A full account is there given of the manner in which the
citizens of London intended to celebrate, in 1711, the anniversary of
Queen Elizabeth's accession on 17th November; some parts of which would
almost seem to have been copied during the excitement against the papal
bull in November 1850.
I have little doubt that originally the unfortunate boy who had to
endure the rude bumping by his schoolfellows was intended to represent
the pope or one of his emissaries, and that those who inflicted the
punishment were looked upon as good Protestants.
Is there any other school where this day is celebrated; and if so, what
particular custom prevails there?
The boys always attended morning service at Christ Church on this day.