Our area of Herefordshire has been home to artists of all genre.  The village was a popular cycling destination of Sir Edward Elgar, England's greatest composer and the countryside here was a great source of inspiration and relaxation.  He wrote his Marches of Pomp and Circumstance which includes Land of Hope and Glory shortly after a series of rides in the locality.  We have a display folder of his local associations for guests to see.

Photo by Derek Foxton

This is the new statue of Sir Edward Elgar, by sculptor Jemma Pearson, and it stands on the green outsdide of Hereford Cathedral.   Elgar composed some of his most famous works whilst he was living in Herefordshire.  He loved to cycle around the county and he came to visit friends in Much Cowarne several times - cycling past The Old School which is now called Cowarne Hall Cottages.  In fact Courtyard Cottage used to be the infants' classroom and Hopbine Cottage was the stable!  As a boy, Elgar may well have visited the school whilst accompanying his father, who was a piano tuner.

Our historic stone cottages are mentioned in the authoritative Buildings of England by N. Pevsner and we  have an illustrated history for guests to read.  There is also a history book of living memories of the village called A Jugful of Much Cowarne Cider available.

Hope to see you here...looking south towards the Marcle Ridge....the skylarks are waiting for you!