Dr George Robertson Sinclair
(1863-1917)

Died aged c. 54

George Robertson Sinclair (28 October 1863 – 7 February 1917) was an English cathedral organist, who served at Truro and Hereford cathedrals. As a young man, Sinclair was destined for the Anglican priesthood, but in 1880 his father died and Sinclair needed to earn a living immediately. He became the first cathedral organist of the new diocese of Truro. He moved from Truro to become organist of Hereford Cathedral in 1889, where he remained for the rest of his life. At Hereford, Sinclair was conductor of eight Three Choirs Festivals between 1891 and 1912, working with leading British musicians of the day, including Edward Elgar, who incorporated into his Enigma Variations a portrait of Sinclair and his bulldog.

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friend of Edward Elgar

Commemorated on 2 plaques

Near this spot occurred, in 1898, the incident depicted in Variation No.11 of Sir Edward Elgar's Variations on an Original Theme (Enigma). Dan, a bulldog belonging to Dr. George Robertson Sinclair, Organist of the Cathedral, fell in the river during a walk with "G. R. S." and his friend, the composer.

south bank of River Wye, Hereford, United Kingdom where they walked

20 Church Street George Robertson Sinclair lived here 1889-1917 Cathedral Organist and great friend of Elgar who visited and composed here 14th Century medieval hall within house

20 Church Street, Hereford, United Kingdom where they lived (1889-1917)