Icknield Way Morris Men, an Oxfordshire side from the Vale of White Horse, perform Cotswold Morris dances and are guardians of the Stanton Harcourt tradition

Who Are We?

Icknield Way Morris Men are a nationally known Morris dancing side that perform at festivals, weddings, parties and shows all over the country. We are mainly found dancing in Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Wiltshire, but are usually seen performing outside pubs in the Vale of White Horse.

Wantage Morris

The Morris has been danced in Wantage since at least 1565, where churchwardens accounts show that 16d was paid for 'a dasson morys belles' and, in 1590, 'lyveries' (costumes) were provided by John Eshmond for 4s 6d. The last reference to the Morris locally was in 1885 when it was danced by 'laddes of ye Royal Burgh of Wantage' before the sports began at Lockinge House.  Nothing is known concerning the side who danced, but the dance was referred to Cecil Sharp in 1910.  Unfortunately, there are no records of any Wantage variations of the Morris dance.

What We Dance

The Side performs traditional Morris dances from Oxfordshire villages. We also perform all dances recovered from the Stanton Harcourt tradition for which we are the guardians and sometimes dance out as Stanton Harcourt Morris. The village of Stanton Harcourt also had its own team of dancers active until the mid 19th century. The main Stanton Harcourt 'man of the morris' however, was John Potter (1813 - 1892) who played the pipe & tabor as well, as the fiddle, for the morris all over Oxfordshire. Indeed, his skill with the pipe was legendary that it was said "He could almost make un speak!".

Fortunately, we also have many musicians in The Side today and can provide all round entertainment for many occasions.

We are always pleased to welcome new members.

"They dance for joy. And joy represents the true spirit of England"
... quote from the Daily Mail, 3rd May 2005

Programme for 2024

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Programme for 2024  PDF logo

Foot-Up Shop

Buy for 2023. Proceeds donated to Team Mikayla.

 

 

Lost Morris - Audio album from the English Folk Dance Project

- Audio album from English Folk Dance Project featuring Icknield Musicians

 

The Ancient English Morris Dance

by Michael Heaney

The idea that morris dancing captures the essence of ancient Englishness, inherently carefree and merry, has been present for over 400 years. The Ancient English Morris Dance traces the history of those attitudes.  Click image for more details. or Order Now!The Ancient English Morris Dance

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Icknield Way Morris Men
Icknield Way Morris MenWednesday, December 4th, 2024 at 8:00am
Icknield Way Morris Men
Icknield Way Morris MenFriday, November 29th, 2024 at 10:17pm
Really looking forward to Wantage Dickensian Evening Fri 6 Dec! This year we'll be joined by our friends Summertown Morris, dancing some new dances we've been teaching each other!

7.30pm Outside Sainsbury's
7.55pm Outside Waitrose
8.30pm Market Square by the Christmas tree

....then on to the Lamb Inn!
Icknield Way Morris Men
Icknield Way Morris MenSunday, September 15th, 2024 at 11:58am
Icknield Way Morris Men
Icknield Way Morris MenSunday, September 15th, 2024 at 10:05am
Very sad news. We enjoyed Keith's tunes in sessions and with Mr Hemmings, and warm hospitality when he was landlord at the Rising Sun in Stockross.
Icknield Way Morris Men
Icknield Way Morris MenWednesday, September 11th, 2024 at 9:06am
A brilliant evening! Thanks Eynsham Morris for the invite and Old Speckled Hen North West Morris & Bampton Morris Dancers for the company!
Icknield Way Morris Men
Icknield Way Morris MenThursday, September 5th, 2024 at 4:10pm
Dancing with Eynsham Morris, Old Speckled Hen North West Morris and Bampton Morris Dancers on Tuesday!

Wantage Mummers ....

... have donated £2,250 in 2023 to

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