John Mason Neale

John Mason Neale (1818–1866) was an English Anglican priest, scholar, and hymn writer and translator associated with the Oxford Movement. He is best known for bringing ancient and medieval Latin hymnody into English, producing influential translations and adaptations that helped shape Victorian church music. Among the hymns linked to his work are “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” and the popular carol “Good King Wenceslas.” Neale’s scholarship and devotional interests focused on the liturgy and the history of Christian worship, and his hymn translations remain widely sung. He served in the Church of England and combined pastoral ministry with extensive writing and editing.