Edward Elgar lived and worked in Great Malvern from 1886. As well as working with his father in the family music shop, he had success as a local musician and composer. He advertised violin, accompaniement and ensemble lessons at Cecilia Hall in Church Street, which caught the eye of Caroline Alice Roberts as she passed the hall. Already an accomplished pianist, she wanted to learn more and went along to his lessons. Romance soon blossomed and they married in 1889.

Alice became a steadying influence on Elgar and encouraged him to pursue his musical goals, which ultimately resulted in him becoming the country's leading composer. Indeed, so reliant was he on her that following her death in 1920 he was unable to compose any further major work.
Had she not entered Cecilia Hall, Elgar might never have become the composer of the great works that we know today.