Standing on the outskirts of Worcester at the village of Powick stands what remains of what was called, before the days of 'political correctness', the 'Worcester County Pauper and Lunatic Asylum'.
It was past the forbidding walls of this Asylum that the young Elgar would often pass unaware that at the age of 23 he would be entering its gates. This was not to be as a patient, however, but as 'bandmaster' of the attendants band.
The enterprising board of the hospital had decided that music was therapeutic to the patients and had formed a 'band' composed of members of the hospital staff who could play a musical instrument. This comprised of a piccolo, flute, clarinet, two cornets, euphonium, eight violins, viola, cello, double bass and piano.
In 1879, Elgar was appointed bandmaster for the annual salary of £32 a year plus an additional five shillings (25 pence) for every polka or quadrille composed.
In later life he would often deflate sycophantic hangers-on with the words "When I was at the Lunatic Asylum..."
Subsequently re-named Powick Hospital, the buildings were closed in the 1980's and now demolition has taken place. Currently, only the central block remains standing (the rest of the site is now a modern housing estate), but it is believed that this central building is being preserved and will to be converted into sheltered accommodation.Return to the Tour Index