He worked on and wrote a wide range of holy Christian texts, including obscure medieval hymns, both Western and Eastern.

He was educated at Sherborne School,[3] Dorset, and Trinity College, Cambridge,[4] where (despite being said to be the best classical scholar in his year) his lack of ability in mathematics prevented him taking an honours degree.

[5] Neale was named after the Puritan cleric and hymn writer John Mason (1645–94), of whom his mother Susanna was a descendant.

[9] In 1854 Neale co-founded the Society of Saint Margaret, an order of women in the Church of England dedicated to nursing the sick.

[11] Neale was strongly high church in his sympathies, and had to endure a good deal of opposition, including a fourteen years' inhibition by his bishop.

For example, the melody of Good King Wenceslas originates from a medieval Latin springtime poem, Tempus adest floridum.

Sermons Hymns and carols Neale's most enduring and widely known legacy is probably his contribution to the Christmas repertoire, most notably: John Mason Neale also wrote the hymn: Hymn-books Theological and historical books Books related to Cambridge Camden Society Novels Poetry