Dorothy Gertrude Howell 1898 - 1982

Perhaps it's time for the author to introduce you to the other famous composer buried in St Wulstan's churchyard. Dorothy Howell was born in Birmingham where she entered the Royal Academy of Music at the age of 15 and eventually taught there until 1970. Amazingly some of her pieces were performed at the Henry Wood Promenade Concerts in the years just after the First World War. I say "amazingly" as it needs to be pointed out that a "female" composer in the early part of the twentieth century would never get the recognition of a "male" composer with a similar or even lower skill set. Her nickname of the "English Strauss" will give you some idea of her musical prowess.
So, what's the "connection". Well, for many years she tended the grave of Edward Elgar.