Nestled beside the River Cherwell, framed by the serene beauty of Addison’s Walk and the open expanse of deer park, Magdalen College (pronounced ‘Maudlin’) is one of Oxford’s most beautiful and historically rich colleges. Founded in the 15th century, Magdalen (officially The President and Fellows of the College of St Mary Magdalen in the University of Oxford) has maintained a centuries-long tradition of academic excellence, architectural splendour, and cultural influence.

With its iconic tower, stunning cloisters, and lush grounds, Magdalen is more than just a place of study—it’s an enduring symbol of the University of Oxford’s blend of intellectual vigour and aesthetic charm.

Foundation and Historical Development

Magdalen College was founded in 1458 by William of Waynflete, Bishop of Winchester and Lord Chancellor of England. Waynflete established the college with a focus on the arts and theology, ensuring that it would be a centre for intellectual development in a time when education was tightly linked to the church.

Originally built on the site of St John’s Hospital, the college was dedicated to St Mary Magdalene, from whom it derives its name. Waynflete endowed the college generously, laying the groundwork for centuries of scholarly activity.

During the Reformation, Magdalen (like other Oxford colleges) experienced significant religious and academic transformation. The college maintained a reputation for conservative religious values, but also adapted to the intellectual shifts of the Enlightenment and modern eras.

Architectural Splendour

Few Oxford colleges rival Magdalen in terms of sheer beauty. Its medieval architecture, expansive grounds, and iconic Magdalen Tower make it one of the most photographed and admired parts of the city.

Magdalen Tower

Completed in 1509, the Magdalen Tower is arguably the most famous college tower in Oxford. Standing at over 140 feet tall, it is a key part of Oxford’s skyline. Every year on May Morning (May 1st), the college choir sings from the top of the tower to crowds gathered below on Magdalen Bridge—a tradition dating back over 500 years.

Cloisters and Chapels

The Cloisters, some of the oldest parts of the college, enclose a peaceful quadrangle and contain a 15th-century hall, chapel, and library. The Chapel of Magdalen College, renowned for its acoustics and music, is home to one of the finest college choirs in the world.

New Building and Deer Park

In the 18th century, the New Building was added, facing the college’s deer park. This long, neoclassical structure complements the medieval architecture and offers stunning views. The deer park itself is home to a herd of fallow deer, which have been kept on the grounds since the 16th century.

Addison’s Walk

A picturesque footpath encircling part of the college grounds, Addison’s Walk is named after Joseph Addison, an 18th-century fellow and essayist. This quiet loop along the River Cherwell offers contemplative beauty and was a favourite route of C.S. Lewis, who frequently walked here with colleagues like J.R.R. Tolkien.

Academic Excellence

Magdalen is known for its strong academic standards and generous endowments, which allow for high-quality teaching and research. The college supports a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across the arts, sciences, and humanities.

It traditionally admits around 100 undergraduates per year and hosts a vibrant community of graduate students and fellows. Teaching follows the classic Oxford tutorial system, allowing for intensive, personalized learning.

Magdalen’s fellows include world-leading researchers, and the college regularly ranks among the top Oxford colleges for academic performance. Its extensive library and archives hold manuscripts, rare books, and modern research materials.

Music and the Choir

Music is central to life at Magdalen. The Magdalen College Choir, founded in the 1480s, is internationally celebrated. The choir sings Evensong daily during term and performs on special occasions, including the May Morning ceremony. It has recorded extensively and toured across the globe.

The Chapel Organ, one of the finest in Oxford, adds to the college’s rich musical environment, and organ scholars play a central role in services and recitals.

Traditions and Ceremonies

Magdalen holds firm to Oxford’s sense of tradition while embracing modernity. Some of its most notable customs include:

• May Morning: Choirboys and scholars rise early to sing from the tower at dawn while thousands gather below to celebrate the arrival of spring.
• Formal Hall: Students dine in the grand hall wearing academic dress, with Latin grace recited before the meal.
• Gaudies: Reunion feasts for alumni featuring elaborate ceremonies and fine dining.

Despite these time-honoured traditions, Magdalen also engages in progressive outreach, encouraging applicants from underrepresented groups and schools.

Notable Alumni

Magdalen has educated many prominent figures in politics, literature, science, and the arts. A few of its distinguished alumni include:

• Oscar Wilde: The celebrated playwright and poet studied Classics at Magdalen in the 1870s. Known for his wit and flamboyance, Wilde’s time at the college shaped his aesthetic and literary style.
• C.S. Lewis: Author of The Chronicles of Narnia, Christian apologist, and professor of literature. Lewis was a Fellow and Tutor in English at Magdalen for nearly 30 years.
• King Edward VIII: The future monarch, who abdicated in 1936, studied at Magdalen, adding royal prestige to the college’s legacy.
• Seamus Heaney: Nobel Prize-winning poet, who lectured at Magdalen during his career.
• Lord Alfred Douglas: Poet and close companion of Oscar Wilde, Douglas also studied at Magdalen and left a lasting literary mark.

Many prominent scientists, philosophers, and statesmen have also called Magdalen home, reinforcing its status as an incubator of talent and influence.

Outreach and Access

Magdalen College has made significant strides in broadening access to its elite education. It actively works with schools across the UK to encourage applications from students of all backgrounds, challenging the stereotype that Oxford is only for the privileged.

The college runs summer schools, open days, and support sessions for prospective students, including those from state schools and first-generation university applicants.

Gardens and Natural Spaces

Magdalen is unmatched in Oxford for its natural environment. The college boasts over 100 acres of grounds, including:

• Deer Park: Home to a long-standing herd of deer, this open space offers students and visitors a rare sense of wilderness in the city.
• Longwall Gardens: Carefully manicured lawns and flowerbeds behind the medieval college wall.
• Addison’s Walk: Lined with willows and waterfowl, it offers serenity and reflection.

The college also supports sustainability initiatives and conservation efforts to preserve its green spaces.

Cultural Legacy and Public Engagement

Magdalen College has appeared in various cultural works and media. Scenes from the 1993 film Shadowlands (about C.S. Lewis) were filmed here. The college’s elegant buildings and romantic surroundings have inspired countless artists and writers.

The college hosts lectures, concerts, exhibitions, and drama performances, often open to the public, connecting the academic world with wider society.

Conclusion

Magdalen College stands as a testament to the enduring power of education, tradition, and beauty. With its storied history, commitment to excellence, and unmatched setting, it is both a sanctuary for serious scholarship and a beacon of Oxford’s timeless allure.

From the bells of May Morning to the quiet footsteps along Addison’s Walk, Magdalen invites all who pass through its gates to pause, reflect, and aspire. Whether one visits for a moment or studies for a lifetime, Magdalen College leaves an impression that endures well beyond the dreaming spires.