The Rocking Horse, By James Ward.

Growing up, George Moneybanks was fortunate enough to always have the newest toys to play with. He could always be found playing with marbles, soldiers, guns, or tops. He was the envy of all of his playmates, especially when his father brought home a brand new rocking horse from France! While he is away at Eaton, George's time is more structured, and he must engage in organized recreational activities. He and his school friends enjoy athletics, particularly cricket. His father expects him to be the best player on the team. As soon as George finishes his studies, he will have the privilege to travel throughout Europe on The Grand Tour. It is a very expensive trip, but George will be able to see many countries, including France, Italy, and Greece. George will able be able to develop his social skills, as he transforms into a young gentleman.

During the Eighteenth Century, more money started pouring into children's leaisure activities. Toys started being mass-produced, which allowed a large assortment and quantity to be available. Some parents, like George's were wealthy enough to purchase all of the newest products for their children. Tin soldiers became a popular toy, and some more expensive soldiers started being made out paper. Young boys also enjoyed playing with yo-yo's, rollarskates, and music boxes. A very popular toy in the Eighteenth Century was the rocking horse. They were originally from France, and were quite expensive. In contrast to today's rocking horses, the eighteenth century original ones only had a head and a body that was fixed on to a rocker.

While young boys were away at school, there was plenty of time for fun and recreation. Games like cricket and hockey were played at school, particularly at Eaton. Parents would become competitive on how well their son was playing. Many games were also invented by children during the Eighteenth Century, such as bally cally, hoops, and pig in the ring.

Also while away at school, boys often took on the practice of letter writing. Letter writing was a convenient way to keep in contact with families back at home, and was also viewed as a high-quality activity. Children's letters were "stiff and formal, to our way of thinking, they yet breathe out the spirit of the age, and are often of a great simplicity and pathos." ¹¹
This is a letter from a boy to his family.

"Eaton, Septembr. ye 29th.
Honed. Sir,
I write this to pay my duty to you, and to lett you know that I am well. I hope you and my mama have found great benefit from the Bath, and it would be a very great satisfaction to me to hear how you do ; I was in hopes of an answer to my last letter, to have heard how you both did, and how I should direct my letters to you, for not knowing how to direct my letters has hindered me writing to you, my time has been pretty much taken up for these three weaks in my trying for to gett into the fiveth form, and I am now removed into it ; pray my duty to mama and service to my uncle and aunt Stuart if no att the Bath. I am, with great respect.
Honed. Sir.
Your most dutiful son
WILLIAM PITT." ¹²