This patriotic tune was originally the instrumental "trio" theme from Edward Elgar's 1901 "Pomp and Circumstance March No. 1." It was the soon-to-be-crowned King Edward VII who suggested that it would make a great song if words were added to the melody. When Elgar was asked to write a work for the King's coronation, he worked the suggestion into his Coronation Ode. The last section of the Ode uses the march's melody.
The poet and essayist Arthur Benson wrote the words to "Land Of Hope And Glory." He was the older brother of Mapp and Lucia author EF Benson.
The song is often used as a sporting anthem. It is sung by English fans at home England rugby union games in Twickenham after the home and away National Anthems. It has also been adapted by football fans over the years for their own chants. Supporters of Wolverhampton Wanderers FC (the team Elgar supported) sing a version with the lyrics changed to "We will follow the Wanderers over land sea and water."
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