3-017-117 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The singing of "Dulce Domum" at Winchester College, 1865. 'The hon. and learned gentleman Sir Roundell Palmer, in one of his poems, has celebrated the faithfulness of the Winchester boys in practising the ancient customs of their school. Our present Illustration will bear witness how the disciples of that venerable institution, which was founded by Bishop William of Wykeham nearly six hundred years ago, still keep up one of its traditional observances, and, to quote a line from her Majesty's Attorney-General, "Still, in the summer twilight, sing their sweet song of home". The curious old hymn, or canticle, of monkish Latin, named from its burden "Dulce Domum," which may probably have suggested that of our popular song "Home, sweet home," is usually sung on the last six Saturdays of "the long half" previous to the Midsummer holidays. On the last evening, in fine weather, a large audience from the town and neighbourhood may be assembled within the walls of the college to listen to this interesting performance, which is sometimes assisted by a band of instrumental music'. From "Illustrated London News", 1865.