Few people would not recognise the stirring sound of Elgar's 'Pomp and Circumstance' but how many realise that music was only part of a fascinating and fulfilling life that spanned seven decades. Born in June 1857 in a small cottage in rural Worcestershire, Edward Elgar was the son of a piano tuner. This pretty little house in Broadheath was his home for just two years yet, in later life, he remembered it with great affection and would often visit during the last few years of his life.

It was Elgar's daughter, Carice, who ensured that his memory lived on in the place he held so dear and through her efforts the cottage was purchased to create his museum. The cottage dates from the 17th century, and was a modest 'two up, two down'. Now packed with memorabilia - much of which was collected and arranged by Carice - there is a real sense of the man, his life, and his work throughout the cottage.

On arrival, visitors now go straight to the purpose-built centre where Sir Edward Elgar's musical life and achievements are displayed by way of information panels, exhibits and photographs. Then, off to the cottage to discover the man behind the musical genius.

The first room has been remodelled to capture the essence of Elgar's study, with the leather-topped desk he purchased in 1889, his bookcase and a few of his reference books, pen holders that he made himself, and even one of his many gramophones. It is understood that he kept to a fairly rigid time schedule for working in his study - between 9.00 and 12.45, and then sometime after 4.00pm until dinner.

Upstairs, in the actual room where Elgar was born, the space has been extended to house furniture and display cabinets containing personal trinkets and general family mementoes. Among this fascinating collection are family photos, an unusual china cider set (a wedding gift), and many pencil sketches illustrating Elgar's sense of fun. Just above the stairs hangs the last public portrait of Elgar from 1933.

In the 'hobbies' room, the diversity of Elgar's interests is quite amazing. Among the various artefacts, we learn that he enjoyed cycling, walking in the Malvern Hills, kite flying, fishing, wood working, conducting scientific experiments, doing crossword puzzles, and tending to his rose garden. Although a love for dogs was not shared by his wife, after her death in 1920 he constantly had dogs by his side. Horses became part of his later life, and he was a member of the Worcester Race Club. Sir Edward Elgar was also a great traveller, and many of his foreign adventures are catalogued in the 'Travel' room.

The final space in the cottage is dedicated to the family of a local friend, Sir Ivor Atkins. His son was president of the Elgar Foundation for several years and he donated rare manuscripts and scores, now displayed in the Atkins Room. Beyond this is the archive, containing over 200 original manuscripts and sketches - the largest single collection of material devoted to the life and music of Sir Edward Elgar.

Only three miles from the centre of Worcester, it is incredible to find such a quaint treasure trove of information about the life of one man - albeit one very brilliant and famous man!