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13 of the most successful men who attended Eton, the school that educated 19 British Prime Ministers

Henry Fielding (1707-1754)

13 of the most successful men who attended Eton, the school that educated 19 British Prime Ministers

John Maynard Keynes (1883-1946)

John Maynard Keynes (1883-1946)

The famed British economist (pictured left) won a scholarship to study at Eton at the end of the 19th century. Unsurprisingly, Keynes excelled in Mathematics, winning the school's Senior Mathematics prize twice between 1899 and 1990.

George Orwell (1903-1950)

George Orwell (1903-1950)

Before he became a political thinker and author, the "Animal Farm" writer was born Eric Blair, and attended Eton on a King's scholarship. 

In fact, the only known video footage of Orwell is this clip from 1921, where he is seen playing the 300 year-old "Wall Game" at Eton as a young boy. It was unearthed in 2003, on the author's would-be 100th birthday.

 

 

Ian Fleming (1908-1964)

Ian Fleming (1908-1964)

 

Ian Fleming is famous as the author of the "James Bond" novels, but he's also an old Etonian. He enrolled at the school in 1921, and would've been there at the same time as Orwell. He was a keen athlete, but struggled with academics and left one year early to attend the Royal Miiltary College at Sandhurst.

He apparently didn't have much success at Sandhurst either, as he left the college after one year without completing his officer training.

Adrian Cadbury (1929-2015)

Adrian Cadbury (1929-2015)

Sir Adrian Cadbury was an Olympic rower who went on to run the family business. Grandson to the legendary industrialist George Cadbury and heir to the Cadbury confectionary empire, he went to Eton before studying economics at Cambridge. 

Hugh Laurie (1959- )

Hugh Laurie (1959- )

Unlike Fleming, "House" and "Blackadder" actor Hugh Laurie excelled at Eton. He was a house captain, and went on to study at the University of Cambridge. Today, Laurie is one of the highest-paid TV actors in the world

Hugh Fearnley Whittinsall (1965- )

Hugh Fearnley Whittinsall (1965- )

The television presenter and food author was in the year above David Cameron at Britain’s leading public school. Now, the "River Cottage" presenter is also a food activist, campaigning against waste in the fishing industry and battery-farming chickens. 

Dominic West (1969- )

Dominic West (1969- )

The actor known for his role on "The Wire" — although he also voices the character Rudder in Pixar film "Finding Dory" — has long been critical of his Etonian education. In an interview with Radio Times, he said being educated at boarding school away from his family "was the worst feeling I've ever had, very similar to the grief when my parents died."

Damian Lewis (1971- )

Damian Lewis (1971- )

Just like West, "Homeland" actor Damian Lewis struggled with his time at Eton. Lewis, who was sent to boarding school at eight, said he found it a "very violent experience" at such a young age, and wouldn't send his own children away so young.

Bear Grylls (1974- )

Bear Grylls (1974- )

Even adventurer Bear Grylls, who served as a trainer in the Special Air Service (SAS), found going to Eton tough, saying that he struggled to "find his identity" while at school. 

Tom Hiddleston (February 1981- )

Tom Hiddleston (February 1981- )

Hiddleston began boarding at Eton at the age of 13, and just like Laurie, became a house captain.

The "Night Manager" and "Thor" actor is one of a few tipped to become the next James Bond, but he was much less smooth at school. An old friend of the actor described him as "a school geek" who "didn't have girlfriends."

Frank Turner (December 1981- )

Frank Turner (December 1981- )

Folk-punk artist Turner, who performed at the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympics, was in the same year as Prince William when they both attended Eton.

He enjoyed his time there, but didn't like the students quite so much. He told The Independent that the school's social atmosphere was "pretty repulsive."

Eddie Redmayne (1982- )

Eddie Redmayne (1982- )

"Fantastic Beasts" star Eddie Redmayne was in the year below Turner and Prince William at Eton. He was friends with the royal during his time there, as they played rugby together

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