I agree:-) Its my understadning that "received pronunciation" only became standard among a certain class of people in England with the growth of the boarding school system in the mid to late 19th century and onwards.

At this time men of Sir Walter's class were not automatically schooled at boarding school. Indeed many moralistic commentators were against it because of the opportunity it gave for other less well brought up or socially connected young men to influence one's genteel offspring. A private tutor at home (usually a clergyman)was thought to be the best way to educate a young gentleman,as he could then accompany his charge on a Grant Tour.