Edward Elgar's life and history in Worcester

As many people are busy looking back through the newly-released 1921 census we take a look back at where Worcestershire's favourite son lived.

His parents met in Worcester city centre and Elgar began and ended his life in the city. 

Here is a list of places in the city where Elgar lived and studied that you might not have heard about before. 

1. 16, Mealcheapen Street

Edward Elgar's parents met at 16 Mealcheapen Street. At that point, the building was named 'The Shades Tavern', and it is where they began their courtship.

Sense charity shop, Mealcheapen Street

2. College Precincts

Elgar's parents were married in 1848 and moved into their first home together. They lived at number 2 at the college precincts, in the eastern shadow of Worcester Cathedral. There is a plaque on the wall today to signify the house in which they lived. 

College precincts, Worcester

2, College precincts: Edward Elgar plaque

3. The High Street

The Elgar family at one point resided where H&M stands today. Elgar's dad went into business as a music shopkeeper and opened a shop at the top of the high street. The family lived above it. There is a plaque on the wall to commemorate the location at which Elgar grew up as an aspiring musician. The shop operated there until 1928 and the building was demolished in the mid 1900s.

Edward Elgar plaque outside of H&M

H&M, the High Street

4. 11, Britannia Square 

It is here that Elgar received his first formal music and piano lessons as a boy. The square is near to The Swan Theatre and was remembered fondly by Elgar as part of his commute to and from school.

11, Britannia Square, Worcester

5. The Crown Hotel (Wetherspoons)

The Crown Hotel on Broad Street held a glee club where men gathered to sing together. Elgar and his father played violins for the Worcester group. The Crown retains many features today that would have been known by Elgar as a boy. 

The Crown, Broad Street, Worcester

6. Worcester Bridge

In 1931, Worcester bridge underwent a programme of widening, meaning that the cast-iron railings needed to be removed. Elgar bought some of the railings and had them installed in the garden of his house at Marlbank, where he was living at the time. 

Worcester bridge