Page:The religious life of King Henry VI.djvu/65

Rh 15th August, and that the confessions of the people who desired to obtain the Indulgences were so numerous at times that the resident clergy, being unable to deal with the concourse, additional clerical assistance had to be secured. At one time, in 1444-5, the account roll shows that a sum of money was paid for the hire of thirty beds for these extra confessors and their servants.

It has already been pointed out that to this great collegiate establishment King Henry added a school to provide education for seventy poor scholars, who were to receive their teaching and maintenance free of all cost. It was also the royal intention that other boys should be admitted who might be attracted thither in order to share in the excellent educational advantages at Eton and who would pay for themselves. These latter "commensales," as they were called, were to live in the town with persons licensed to receive them. The life of the boys at school was severe. Early rising was enforced. On Sundays and Holy days, for instance, they rose at four o'clock. On such days no study work was done; but they had to attend all the divine offices and High Mass. On other days, as