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

Upcoming Events

Dec
5
Fri
2025
19:30 Dickensian Evening @ Wantage
Dickensian Evening @ Wantage
Dec 5 @ 19:30 – 21:30
Dickensian Evening @ Wantage
Continue reading →
Dec
17
Wed
2025
21:00 Carols Evening at the King Alfre... @ The King Alfred's Head
Carols Evening at the King Alfre... @ The King Alfred's Head
Dec 17 @ 21:00 – 23:30
Carols Evening at the King Alfred's Head, Wantage @ The King Alfred's Head | Wantage | England | United Kingdom
Pub Carols at The King Alfred’s Head on Wednesday 17th December from 21:00 onwards.  With Icknield Way Morris Men and Local Musicians. You will need to get there early if you want a seat. Please scan the QR Code is you Continue reading →

Programme for 2025

Foot-Up Shop

Buy for 2024. Proceeds donated to charity for this year's performance.

 

 

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

Kindly sponsored by

Renegade Brewery

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Icknield Way Morris Men
Icknield Way Morris MenSunday, September 21st, 2025 at 9:34pm
Thanks for inviting us, lovely afternoon 😊
Icknield Way Morris Men
Icknield Way Morris MenMonday, September 15th, 2025 at 8:45pm
Dancing at Malmesbury Folk & Roots on Saturday with Malmesbury Morris, Elemental Border Morris and Chippenhan Morris! Tunes inside the Market Cross at 12noon then dancing around Malmesbury from 1pm.
Icknield Way Morris Men
Icknield Way Morris MenThursday, September 4th, 2025 at 8:55pm
Looking for a new challenge? Keep fit without paying a fortune, learn new skills, socialise with like minded people and maintain age old local traditions!

Join Icknield Way Morris Men to make your life complete!

Beginner taster sessions:
Wednesday 10th September
Wednesday 17th September

8pm, Denchworth Village Hall then onto The Fox Inn, Denchworth, Near Wantage, Oxford for a well earned pint on us to all attendees!

[email protected] www.icknieldwaymorrismen.org.uk
Icknield Way Morris Men
Icknield Way Morris MenWednesday, September 3rd, 2025 at 9:57am
Wednesday evening, 3rd Sept. We'll be at The Boar's Head, Ardington UK with Cornucopia Appalachian Dancers from 8pm!
Icknield Way Morris Men

Wantage Mummers ....

... have donated £2,500 in 2024 to

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