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Magdalen College

Lets get the important part over with first - the name of Magdalen College is pronounced "Maudlen", despite the spelling. It was originally founded as Magdalen Hall in 1448 by William of Waynflete, Bishop of Winchester. Waynflyte was an educational reformer who advocated the teaching of classical subjects, such as Latin and Greek, in the English language.

Magdalen Hall was established on High Street, but Waynflyte also acquired land beyond the city walls and established a new college dedicated to St. Mary Magdalen. The old hall was later incorporated into Hertford College, but Magdalen College remained and grew.

The College was one of the first to teach science, and it later promoted the Physic Garden beside Magdalen Bridge, which is now the internationally known Oxford Botanical Garden.

The grounds of the college stretch over 100 acres of woodland beside the river. Included in the grounds is Deer Park, which houses Magdalen's 300 year old herd of deer. An unfounded rumour holds that the number of deer must equal the number of college Fellows.

The most famous of the trails through the grounds of Magdalen is the tree-lined Addison's Walk, named after journalist Richard Addison, who was a Fellow here for over 20 years.

The striking Magdalen Tower dominates the eastern approach to Oxford. In a ceremony that dates to the founding of the college, the Magdalen Choir celebrates dawn from the Tower every May 1st morning. The choir also sings evensong 6 evenings a week during term, beginning at 6 pm.

Magdalen has an especially proud tradition in the arts. We've already mentioned the world-famous Choir, but famous Magdalen graduates include Oscar Wilde, CS Lewis, and comedian Dudley Moore.

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Text © David Ross and Britain Express