A memorial to the eminent composer Sir Edward Elgar was unveiled in the north choir (or Musicians') aisle in Westminster Abbey on 1st June 1972. The stone was designed by Stephen Dykes Bower and unveiled by the Prime Minister, Edward Heath. The inscription reads:
1857
EDWARD
ELGAR
O.M.
1934
Elgar was born on 2nd June 1857 at Broadheath in Worcestershire, a son of William Henry Elgar, an organist and piano tuner to Queen Adelaide, and his wife Ann (Greening). He was educated locally and later helped his father in their music shop. He played the violin in an orchestra and in 1889 married Alice Roberts. Their daughter was Carice.
His composition for Queen Victoria's jubilee, the Imperial March, made his music known to the wider public and his choral work Caractacus followed. His best known works are probably The Dream of Gerontius, the Enigma Variations and the Pomp and Circumstance marches. For the 1902 coronation of Edward VII he composed a Coronation Ode and 'Land of Hope and Glory' soon became a second English national anthem. In 1911 he was appointed to the Order of Merit and was Master of the King's Musick from 1924-1934. He died on 23rd February 1934 and was buried with his wife at St Wulstan's church, Little Malvern, Worcestershire.
This image can be purchased from Westminster Abbey Library
Image © 2024 Dean and Chapter of Westminster
