Oxford is a city rich in traditions, but few are as cherished — or as early in the day — as May Morning. Each year, on the 1st of May, thousands gather at dawn below Magdalen Tower to hear the Magdalen College Choir welcome the day with hymns sung from the tower at 6 a.m. What follows is a joyful mix of music, dancing, and celebration across the city.
“May Morning on Magdalen Tower”, created in 1888–90 by the great Pre-Raphaelite artist William Holman Hunt (1827–1910).
Although this tradition has been part of Oxford life for centuries (even continuing virtually in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic), its origins remain somewhat mysterious. Many claims surround the ceremony — including the idea that the Magdalen College Choir has taken part for over 500 years—but the true history is not entirely clear. Here’s what we do know about the evolution of this beloved annual event.
Where Did May Morning Begin?
Some say May Morning has pagan roots, while others believe it began as a religious ceremony. Evidence suggests that singing from Magdalen Tower on May Morning dates back at least to the late 1600s.
Magdalen Tower and the First Records
Magdalen 
Tower itself was built between 1492 and 1509. The earliest written reference to a May Morning ceremony there comes from 1674, when historian Anthony Wood described a choral tradition celebrating the arrival of spring. However, even then the ceremony wasn’t guaranteed — there was no singing in 1688 due to a dispute with King James II.
By the mid-18th century, the occasion had shifted from solemn prayer to something more festive. A 1749 account describes music beginning at 4 a.m. and continuing for nearly two hours, ending with the tower bells ringing — a format not too different from today's version.
The Te Deum and Musical Traditions
The hymn Te Deum patrem colimus ("We worship you, O God the Father") is now a central part of the May Morning experience. Composed by Benjamin Rogers, (organist and choirmaster at Magdalen, 1665-86), with lyrics possibly by Thomas Smith (Fellow of the college from 1666-92), it was used in the college as an ‘after grace’ prayer. Its incorporation into May Morning seems to have happened by chance in the late 18th century, when a choir turned up for the ceremony with no set plan and simply sang the hymn. From the 1790s onwards, it became a regular feature.
Reforming the Celebration
In the early 1800s, the ceremony had become rather rowdy. Choristers were known to smuggle rotten eggs up the tower and throw them at the crowd below! Revd J. R. Bloxam, a Fellow of Magdalen and a prominent Tractarian, was instrumental in restoring a sense of order and spirituality to the event. In 1844, new rules were introduced: the choristers wore surplices, and the focus returned to a more reverent tone.
By the 1860s, May Morning was a major social event, drawing large crowds and even royal guests. Tickets were sometimes issued to control numbers on the tower, but reports from 1869 still mention over 200 people present, including many ladies—a sign of its growing popularity.
Modern Festivities
Morris dancing didn’t become part of the tradition until 1923, but from the late 1960s, May Morning began to take on a more eclectic and colourful feel.
By the 1980s, it had become a city-wide celebration featuring everything from Scottish dancing and Maypole performances to street theatre, jazz bands, barbershop quartets, and even mobile discos.
One of the more daring modern additions was the student habit of jumping off Magdalen Bridge into the River Cherwell—a dangerous tradition that is now actively discouraged and policed.
What May Morning Means Today
For some, May Morning remains a spiritual or cultural moment; for others, it's simply a joyful Oxford tradition and an excuse to celebrate the arrival of spring. Whether you’re drawn by history, music, or the chance to dance at dawn, there’s no denying that May Morning capturessomething unique about Oxford’s character.
As the city continues to evolve, so too will its traditions. But whatever form it takes, May Morning will likely remain a treasured part of life in Oxford for generations to come.
