Викторианская эпоха

The article deals with the role of public schools in the English educational system of the XIX century. Eton College is one of the largest and highest in prestige public school in England, it was founded by Henry VI in 1441. Many outstanding English statesmen were educated in Eton College. The atmosphere of this elite school is important to understanding the nature of English leadership and consequently the character of English life. The author examines the influence of Eton College on training the British political elite.

The article deals with the life and activity of Russian writer and publicist Olga Novikov, who lived in London in the second half of the XIX century. Special attention is given to Olga Novikov’s relationship with the eminent British statesmen and intellectuals, particularly with the leader of the Liberal party W. Gladstone. The author analyses the views of Olga Novikov’s contemporaries on the role she played in the social and political life of Great Britain and in the development of the Anglo-Russian relations.