The Firs

Important notice -

We're working hard to reopen many of our places where it is safe to do so, however The Firs is closed.

Birthplace of Sir Edward Elgar

More about this place

Family walking in the woodland at Castle Ward, County Down

Which places are open and what you need to know before you visit 

More than 100 gardens and parks and hundreds of coast and countryside places are open in England and Northern Ireland. Following the latest government guidance, all houses in England and Northern Ireland are closed. We're reopening our places in Wales from Monday 9 November for visitors who live in Wales in line with Welsh government guidelines following the firebreak lockdown. To avoid disappointment please book in advance, especially at weekends and school holidays. Please check the property webpage of the place you wish to visit before you travel. Find out how to book and what to expect from your visit.

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The Firs

History

Head shot of Sir Edward Elgar

Sir Edward Elgar 

Learn more about Sir Edward Elgar the man who gave us orchestral works including the Enigma Variations and the Pomp and Circumstance Marches.

image of caroline alice elgar

Caroline Alice, Lady Elgar 

They met when Edward Elgar gave Alice piano lessons, read more about Alice Lady Elgar.

edwrad elgar and his daughter carice

Carice Elgar Blake 

Elgar's only child and the force behind the birthplace museum, read more about Carice Elgar.

Edward Elgar with his dogs Marco Mina and Meg

Elgar's dogs 

Elgar had a great love for his dogs, your dog is welcome at The Firs too.

mural of elgar on a bicycle

Elgar's hobbies and pastimes 

Despite being a prolific composer, Elgar found much time to indulge his variety of hobbies, read about some of them.

external image of Plas Gwyn

Elgar's houses 

Elgar rarely lived anywhere very long, read about the houses that were important in his life.

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The Firs

Get involved

Story teller Liz with visitors at The Firs

Get involved as a volunteer 

We're lucky to have many wonderful volunteers at The Firs who support us in many different ways to bring Elgar's birthplace to life. Is this something you woud like to do? We are always looking for more volunteers, have a look at what we do.

Joe Tierney talking to a group of visitors

NT Supporter groups at The Firs 

Interested in making the most of the National Trust near you? Join a local supporter group to enjoy special interest talks, visits, holidays or hands-on conservation activities.

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The Firs

Groups

A group of visitors in the tea-room

Group visits 

Do you have a group who would like a bespoke visit to Elgar's Birthplace?

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The Firs

Our work

Hedgehog house built by Gardener Dawne

Our woodland work  

Read about how we are helping to look after and conserve the Elgar Birthplace.

Members of SWAG surveying at The Firs

Archaeology at The Firs  

Delve deeper into our archaeological mysteries at The Firs.

Elgar's Summerhouse restored to health

Our Summerhouse restoration  

Find out how we fixed our Summerhouse for you to enjoy on your visit

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