Edward William Elgar

No visit to Worcester would be complete without a look at Elgar's birthplace which is situated at Broadheath, a small village about 3 miles south-west of Worcester. Here, on 2 June 1857, in a small upstairs cottage room, Edward Elgar was born. 

He was arguably the leading English composer of his generation and a significant figure among late Romantic European musicians. 

Worcester is the city most closely associated with Elgar. It was here that he came to live as a boy of just two years of age and stayed until just after his marriage in 1889. 

The Cathedral at Worcester played a large part in both his musical upbringing and also as a venue for the performance of many of his finest works.

For 55 of his 76 years, Elgar lived within sight of the Malvern Hills. This range of hills which run south from Great Malvern for about 9 miles is perfect for miles of walking. They consist of a chain of hills with such names as Hollybush Hill, Swinyard Hill, Hangman's Hill and Midsummer Hill. The highest point on the Hills is the Worcestershire Beacon and it was here that the experience of these beautiful views of the countryside that formed a constant inspirational backdrop to his work and life. He spent many hours walking and cycling in this area and some of his greatest works were composed while living here.

Just a couple of miles south-east of Hereford lies the village of Mordiford. Here the River Lugg flows into the Wye and is crossed by the oldest bridge in Herefordshire, dating in part to c.1352 and completed in the 16th century. Elgar would often visit Mordiford for the fishing as it was only a short cycle-ride from his Hereford home (Plas Gwyn) and it was here that many of the sketches for his work The Music Makers are believed to have been made. 

For the last five years of his life he returned to live in Worcester. He was buried at St Wulstan's Church, in Little Malvern.

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