The Most Popular Hymn in the UK, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the hymn you think is the most popular!
Updated on May 10, 2024 06:41
Hymns have long been a cornerstone of musical and spiritual life in the UK, each one carrying a unique resonance through lyrics and melodies that echo in churches, schools, and community gatherings. By establishing a ranking of these hymns, individuals gain insight into which tunes resonate most deeply across a diverse population. This not only highlights musical preferences but also, subtly, cultural influences that shape communal and personal identities.
Through such rankings, new and long-standing members of communities can find common ground in shared musical heritage. Voting on your favorite hymns contributes to this evolving conversation, offering a snapshot of collective tastes and values at any given time. This active participation helps inform newcomers about the musical traditions that have been treasured and ensures that the pulse of popular sentiment is captured authentically.
What Is the Most Popular Hymn in the UK?
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177votes
John Newton · Public domainWritten by John Newton in the 18th century, this hymn has become a beloved classic in the UK and beyond, often sung at funerals and other solemn occasions.Amazing Grace is a timeless Gospel song that has touched the hearts of millions with its powerful message of redemption and grace. It is considered one of the most beautiful and beloved hymns in the Christian tradition. The song's lyrics express gratitude for God's mercy and forgiveness, and its haunting melody evokes a sense of solace and peace.- Lyrics: The song's lyrics are deeply reflective and explore themes of forgiveness, redemption, and the transformative power of God's grace.
- Melody: The melody of Amazing Grace is simple yet profound, with a gentle and contemplative quality that resonates with listeners.
- Popularity: Amazing Grace is widely recognized and cherished by people of diverse backgrounds and religious beliefs, making it one of the most universally loved Gospel songs.
- Historical Significance: The song played a significant role in the abolitionist movement, serving as an anthem of hope and freedom for enslaved African Americans.
- Authenticity: The emotional honesty and personal testimonial nature of the lyrics have contributed to the enduring popularity and impact of Amazing Grace.
Amazing Grace in other rankings- Position 1 of 10 in Most popular Catholic hymn
- Position 1 of 10 in Most popular Baptist hymn
- Position 1 of 10 in Most popular philosophy scent
- Position 1 of 10 in Most popular Gospel hymn
- Position 4 of 10 in Most popular wedding hymn
- Position 9 of 10 in Most beautiful song to sing
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252votesThis hymn, based on a poem by William Blake, has become an unofficial anthem of England and is often sung at patriotic events.Jerusalem is a city located in the Middle East, specifically in the region of Israel. It holds great historical, religious, and cultural significance, often referred to as the Holy City due to its importance to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Jerusalem is a vibrant and diverse city that beautifully blends ancient traditions with modern life.
- Population: Approximately 900,000
- Size: 125.1 square kilometers
- Old City: UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Religious Sites: Western Wall, Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Al-Aqsa Mosque
- The Mount of Olives: Significant religious site and viewpoint
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318votesOriginally a Swedish hymn, this song's popularity has spread worldwide, and it is often sung in churches and other religious settings in the UK.How Great Thou Art is a powerful and beloved hymn that expresses awe and reverence towards God's majesty and creation. It is a widely recognized Gospel song that has touched the hearts of millions.
- Genre: Gospel
- Released: 1885 (in Swedish), 1949 (English translation)
- Length: Around 4 minutes
- Language: Originally in Swedish, also available in various translations
- Melody: Traditional Swedish folk melody
How Great Thou Art in other rankings- Position 2 of 10 in Most popular Gospel hymn
- Position 2 of 10 in Most popular LDS hymn
- Position 2 of 10 in Most beautiful hymn
- Position 2 of 10 in Most popular Baptist hymn
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411votesBased on Psalm 23, this hymn is a comforting and familiar choice for many UK Christians.The Lord's My Shepherd is one of the most popular hymns in the UK. It is based on the 23rd Psalm from the Bible and has been a cherished part of Christian worship for centuries. The hymn expresses trust in God's guidance and protection, depicting Him as a Good Shepherd who cares for his flock.
- Title: The Lord's My Shepherd
- Lyrics: Based on the 23rd Psalm
- Composer: Jessie Seymour Irvine (1871-1949)
- Tune: Crimond
- Genre: Hymn
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522votesA traditional Irish hymn, this song has been translated into English and is a popular choice for weddings and other special occasions in the UK.Be Thou My Vision in other rankings
- Position 5 of 10 in Most popular Catholic hymn
- Position 5 of 10 in Most beautiful hymn
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615votes
All Things Bright and Beautiful
Cecil Frances AlexanderA joyful hymn celebrating the wonders of nature, this song is often taught to children in the UK and is a popular choice for school assemblies.All Things Bright and Beautiful is a popular hymn in the UK that expresses gratitude for the natural world. The lyrics celebrate God's creation and highlight the beauty and diversity of nature.- Year of Composition: 1848
- Publication: Hymns for Little Children
- Genre: Christian hymn
- Meter: CM 8.6.8.6 D
- Tune: ROYAL OAK
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77votesThis hymn, with its bold and triumphant melody, is a favorite for many UK congregations.Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven is a popular hymn in the United Kingdom that celebrates and praises God as the King of heaven. It is a joyful and uplifting hymn that invites worshippers to exalt and adore the divine.
- Tune: Lauda Anima (Praise, My Soul)
- Meter: 8.7.8.7 D
- Hymn Category: Praise and Worship
- Key: E-flat major
- Time Signature: 4/4
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84votes
Dear Lord and Father of Mankind
John Greenleaf WhittierBased on a poem by John Greenleaf Whittier, this hymn is a gentle and contemplative choice for prayer and reflection.Dear Lord and Father of Mankind is a hymn that was written as a poem by John Greenleaf Whittier in 1872. The poem was later set to music by several composers, with the most popular musical setting being composed by Charles Hubert Hastings Parry in 1888. It has since become one of the most well-known and beloved hymns in the United Kingdom.- Year: 1872
- Composer: Charles Hubert Hastings Parry
- Meter: 6.6.8.6 (S.M.)
- Key: G major
- Genre: Hymn
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99votesA Welsh hymn that has become a favorite throughout the UK, this song is often sung at weddings and funerals.Guide Me, O Thou Great Redeemer is a popular Christian hymn in the United Kingdom, often sung at weddings and funerals. It is a hymn of comfort and guidance, imploring God's help and protection in times of trials and challenges.
- Title: Guide Me, O Thou Great Redeemer
- Language: English (originally written in Welsh)
- Meter: 8.7.8.7 D
- Tune: Cwm Rhondda (composed by John Hughes)
- First Published: 1907 (with English translation)
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108votesA hymn of comfort and strength, this song has been sung at many important events in UK history, including the 1966 World Cup final.Abide with Me is a hymn that has become a classic in the UK, sung in various settings including church services and sporting events. It is a deeply contemplative and comforting hymn, with its lyrics focusing on themes of trust, perseverance, and finding solace in God's presence.
- Genre: Hymn
- Language: English
- Meter: 10.10.10.10.
- Key: G major
- Religious Affiliation: Christianity
Abide with Me in other rankings- Position 9 of 10 in Most popular Lutheran hymn
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Ranking factors for popular hymn
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Frequency of singing or playingA popular hymn should be regularly sung or played in various religious events, gatherings, and ceremonies in the UK.
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FamiliarityThe hymn should be widely known and recognized by people, both in the religious community and the general public.
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Cultural significanceThe hymn must hold a significant cultural or historical value not only for religious groups but also within the wider British society.
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Lyricism and melodyA popular hymn must have memorable and meaningful lyrics, coupled with a beautiful and harmonious melody.
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Availability and accessThe hymn must be widely available and accessible, having a presence in numerous hymnals, compilations, and sheet music resources both online and offline.
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VersatilityThe hymn should be applicable to various occasions — not just religious services but also festivals, holidays, memorial events, and other celebrations.
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Emotional impactA popular hymn must evoke strong emotions and create a connection between the singers or listeners and the message being conveyed.
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TimelessnessThe hymn's popularity must have transcended different generations and eras in the United Kingdom.
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Diversity and inclusivenessA popular hymn must appeal to various religious denominations and communities in the UK and be inclusive in its language and message.
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AdaptabilityA popular hymn should lend itself well to different musical styles or interpretations, allowing it to stay popular and relevant in a constantly changing musical landscape.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular hymn in the UK. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Hymn is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 2119 views
- 225 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Hymn once every 24 hours. The rank of each Hymn is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular hymn in the uk
Hymns have been an integral part of the Christian faith for centuries and continue to be a source of comfort and inspiration for believers around the world. In the UK, hymns hold a special place in the hearts of many and are often sung in churches, chapels, and cathedrals across the country. From traditional hymns like "Amazing Grace" and "Ave Maria" to more contemporary songs like "Shine, Jesus, Shine" and "10,000 Reasons," there is no shortage of beautiful hymns to choose from. With so many options available, it can be difficult to determine which hymn is the most popular in the UK. That's where StrawPoll comes in - we've compiled data from thousands of polls to give you an idea of which hymns are the most beloved by the British public.
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