The History of Old Woodstock Mock Mayor: A 238-Year-Old Tradition of Playful Protest

Have you ever wondered why Old Woodstock crowns its own Mock Mayor every July? The story behind this beloved tradition is one of sibling rivalry, political protest, and quintessentially British humour that dates back to 1786.

A Tale of Two Woodstocks

To understand the Mock Mayor, you need to know that Woodstock wasn't always one unified town. Old and New Woodstock were separate villages, divided by the River Glyme – not just physically, but politically too. This division would spark a tradition that has lasted nearly two and a half centuries.

The story begins in 1110 when King Henry I built his hunting lodge and walled park, essentially kicking locals out of the forest to make room for his royal playground complete with lions, camels, and porcupines. The displaced residents settled by the old mill in the water meadows – and Old Woodstock was born.

The Birth of Rivalry

Things got more complicated in 1189 when Henry II, tired of nobles sleeping on his palace floor, established New Woodstock up the hill. By 1453, Henry VI granted New Woodstock a royal charter, creating a formal mayor, aldermen, councillors, and even their own court. Meanwhile, Old Woodstock residents had to pay a toll just to cross the seven-arched bridge to reach the market.

The final straw came in 1776 when New Woodstock built their magnificent Town Hall – a beautiful symbol of their elevated status that Old Woodstock residents could see every day from across the river.

A Mockery is Born

Just ten years later, in 1786, Old Woodstock fought back in the most British way possible: with elaborate satire. The first Mock Mayor elections were born, creating their own "Corporation" complete with a Mayor, officers, and ceremonies that parodied their uphill neighbours.

No one knows exactly why it started, but the earliest records suggest it might have been sibling rivalry at its finest – the first Mock Mayor was reportedly the brother of New Woodstock's actual Mayor.

Tradition with a Twist

The Mock Mayor tradition wasn't just about poking fun. It represented Old Woodstock's fierce independence and their refusal to be overshadowed by New Woodstock's royal connections.

The ceremony includes:

• The Election: Candidates deliver speeches from beer crates, proposing everything from tunnels connecting houses to pubs to the complete abolition of council tax

• The Procession: A parade through both villages, demanding entry to Blenheim Palace

• The Dunking: The traditional "baptism" in the River Glyme, after which the Mock Mayor turns their back on New Woodstock

A Living Tradition

What makes the Mock Mayor remarkable is how it has evolved while staying true to its rebellious roots. Today's ceremony still features the crimson robes made from Witney blankets, the chain of office crafted from curtain rings, and the same playful mockery of authority that started it all.

The tradition has survived wars, social changes, and even the closure of Old Woodstock's pubs. It now raises money for local charities while maintaining its role as a celebration of community spirit and gentle resistance to taking ourselves too seriously.

More Than Just Fun

The Mock Mayor represents something uniquely British: the ability to challenge authority through humour while building genuine community connections. It's democracy at its most grassroots level, where anyone can stand up, make a speech, and potentially become mayor for a year.

At 238 years old, the Old Woodstock Mock Mayor elections are older than 175 countries and have outlasted kings, queens, and countless "real" mayors. It's a testament to the power of tradition, community spirit, and the British love of a good laugh at authority's expense.

Ready to be part of history? Join us for the next Old Woodstock Mock Mayor Elections and help keep this remarkable tradition alive for future generations. Home