Home of Composer Gustav Holst - A Window Into Victorian Life - Holst Victorian House

Home of Composer Gustav Holst - A Window Into Victorian Life - Holst Victorian House
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Experience Holst’s Victorian World
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Wander through Gustav Holst’s birthplace and uncover the sights, sounds, and stories of the Victorian era. Book your tickets today.
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From children’s activities to intimate concerts on Holst’s piano, there’s always something happening at the museum. Browse our events calendar and plan your next visit.
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Holst Victorian House
Plan Your Visit Today
We’d love you to visit the Museum. You don’t need to book tickets, but doing so does guarantee your visit slot. For information about the accessibility of the building,
please visit our Accessibility page here
.
£10 Entry/adult
Free for children & members
Entry 10am - 3.30pm
Explore until close at 4pm
Located in Cheltenham
4 Clarence Rd GL52 2AY
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Explore using our digital app
Book Visit
Step back in time to experience life in a Victorian house
Step Back in Time and experience life in an authentic Victorian home. Explore what life was like for a middle-class family living in 1870s Cheltenham. Hear stories of its eclectic residents, experience a working Victorian kitchen and scullery, and delight in authentic Victorian interiors above stairs.
Adopt an Object
Bring history to life by adopting one of the remarkable objects in our collection — from Holst’s own piano to rare manuscripts and family heirlooms. Your support helps preserve Gustav Holst’s story, safeguard our treasures, and inspire future generations of music lovers.
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What's On
Browse our upcoming events, or click the button to view more.
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1st July 24
- 31st December 26
Holst Victorian House
Nipper the Dog Family Trail
4 Clarence Road, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL52 2AY
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17th May 25
- 9th May 26
Holst Victorian House
Free Exhibition: 50 Years of Holst Victorian House (Case Display)
4 Clarence Road, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL52 2AY
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1st May 26
- 20th June 26
Holst Victorian House
Children’s Trail: Maypole Mystery Tour
4 Clarence Road, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL52 2AY
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No event found!
Feedback about Holst Victorian House
Anonymous
Lovely little museum
This is a lovely little museum situated in the house where Holst was born. It is lovingly and authentically recreated to represent his time. You can also see the actual piano on which he composed The Planets.
Read More
Read Less
×
Anonymous
Lovely little museum
This is a lovely little museum situated in the house where Holst was born. It is lovingly and authentically recreated to represent his time. You can also see the actual piano on which he composed The Planets.
Alison Lewis
A really lovely place to visit. Very friendly and helpful staff. Lots of things to look at and a booklet with information about the exhibits.
Read More
Read Less
×
Alison Lewis
A really lovely place to visit. Very friendly and helpful staff. Lots of things to look at and a booklet with information about the exhibits.
Scott Lewis
A lovely museum devoted to Holst. It's well presented and very well laid out. There are stairs to go to different floors so please be aware of that. The staff were very friendly indeed, very helpful about other things to do in the town. I really recommend this place
Read More
Read Less
×
Scott Lewis
A lovely museum devoted to Holst. It's well presented and very well laid out. There are stairs to go to different floors so please be aware of that. The staff were very friendly indeed, very helpful about other things to do in the town. I really recommend this place
Valerie T
Such a delight!
I visited this house both because Gustav Holst lived here, and it's a very good example of a Victorian home of the area. It was excellent on both counts. The information provided was thorough (but not too long) and interesting. I really appreciated that they provided details about all occupants of the house, including those who worked in the home. I very much recommend a visit to the Holst Victorian House to anyone with an interest in Holst or Victorian homes.
Read More
Read Less
×
Valerie T
Such a delight!
I visited this house both because Gustav Holst lived here, and it's a very good example of a Victorian home of the area. It was excellent on both counts. The information provided was thorough (but not too long) and interesting. I really appreciated that they provided details about all occupants of the house, including those who worked in the home. I very much recommend a visit to the Holst Victorian House to anyone with an interest in Holst or Victorian homes.
tjthomas1504
A Fascinating Couple of Hours
This is an excellent visit for a couple of hours. So many examples of Victoriana in a small unassuming terrace house with a big story to tell. Very good self guide booklet and various pieces of audio input. A really good piece of living history.
Read More
Read Less
×
tjthomas1504
A Fascinating Couple of Hours
This is an excellent visit for a couple of hours. So many examples of Victoriana in a small unassuming terrace house with a big story to tell. Very good self guide booklet and various pieces of audio input. A really good piece of living history.
I Thomas
Interesting small museum providing an insight into Gustav Holst's victorian home
Read More
Read Less
×
I Thomas
Interesting small museum providing an insight into Gustav Holst's victorian home
nbam187047
Really interesting place
We decided to go here for a Christmas activity. It was very well laid out and we enjoyed the trail. The volunteers and staff here are so lovely and attentive. We had a really interesting and fun morning. The videos are interesting for adults and children alike and it's good value getting a year's membership. Thank you!
Read More
Read Less
×
nbam187047
Really interesting place
We decided to go here for a Christmas activity. It was very well laid out and we enjoyed the trail. The volunteers and staff here are so lovely and attentive. We had a really interesting and fun morning. The videos are interesting for adults and children alike and it's good value getting a year's membership. Thank you!
eutraveller2018
Holst's piano on display and visitors able to actually touch it....wonderful experience.
Wonderful experience see Holst's actual piano he composed on,especially the double wires enabling him to hit the keys with a more gentle pressure because if weakness in right harm.Furniture,fittings and artifacts superbly presented to reveal A genuine Victorian house.
Read More
Read Less
×
eutraveller2018
Holst's piano on display and visitors able to actually touch it....wonderful experience.
Wonderful experience see Holst's actual piano he composed on,especially the double wires enabling him to hit the keys with a more gentle pressure because if weakness in right harm.Furniture,fittings and artifacts superbly presented to reveal A genuine Victorian house.
cwhiteharp
History really comes alive - fascinating!
Amazing presentation!History is really brought to life, with masses to interest anyone who wants to know how people used to live, as well as the musical scholarship on an important British composer. We loved the introductory video, and all the rooms were fascinating! There’s lots to interest children as well. It was fun to be able to spend time in the rooms and imagine living there in the past. We could have spent much longer than the two hours we were able to stay. There are also wonderful resources - many making great use of cutting -edge technology – for those interested in the musical side. We really loved and appreciated the time given to us during our visit, chatting with the staff. Bravo to a fantastic little museum!
Read More
Read Less
×
cwhiteharp
History really comes alive - fascinating!
Amazing presentation!History is really brought to life, with masses to interest anyone who wants to know how people used to live, as well as the musical scholarship on an important British composer. We loved the introductory video, and all the rooms were fascinating! There’s lots to interest children as well. It was fun to be able to spend time in the rooms and imagine living there in the past. We could have spent much longer than the two hours we were able to stay. There are also wonderful resources - many making great use of cutting -edge technology – for those interested in the musical side. We really loved and appreciated the time given to us during our visit, chatting with the staff. Bravo to a fantastic little museum!
BootieLondon
Not to be missed
The only real historic house you can visit in Cheltenham. Holst was born here and stayed till age 7 . You can see the piano Holst composed "The Planets" on and a reconstruction of how the house would have looked with an interesting guide. For me, the trip, both to the house and Cheltenham overall, was made fantastic by Helen , one of the guides who was so welcoming and fun and could not have been more helpful, even giving insight to the places to see in Cheltenham and great coffee places- all of which I can confirm were lovely!
Read More
Read Less
×
BootieLondon
Not to be missed
The only real historic house you can visit in Cheltenham. Holst was born here and stayed till age 7 . You can see the piano Holst composed "The Planets" on and a reconstruction of how the house would have looked with an interesting guide. For me, the trip, both to the house and Cheltenham overall, was made fantastic by Helen , one of the guides who was so welcoming and fun and could not have been more helpful, even giving insight to the places to see in Cheltenham and great coffee places- all of which I can confirm were lovely!
Stay75166
Friendly and informative
This is a wonderful themed museum, packed with items from everyday Victorian life. Gustav Holst was born here and lived in the house until age 7. There are numerous items from Holst’s life, including his grand piano, family portraits, some examples of his music manuscripts and interesting videos to watch. It’s not a big museum as it’s contained within a relatively small middle class house from the period, filled with Victoriana. The staff were very friendly and knowledgeable. When we were there the Victorian range was lit, with biscuits and drop scones to cook and taste - the first time I’ve ever seen a Victorian range in use, (brought right up to date by using smokeless coal! ). Well worth a visit.
Read More
Read Less
×
Stay75166
Friendly and informative
This is a wonderful themed museum, packed with items from everyday Victorian life. Gustav Holst was born here and lived in the house until age 7. There are numerous items from Holst’s life, including his grand piano, family portraits, some examples of his music manuscripts and interesting videos to watch. It’s not a big museum as it’s contained within a relatively small middle class house from the period, filled with Victoriana. The staff were very friendly and knowledgeable. When we were there the Victorian range was lit, with biscuits and drop scones to cook and taste - the first time I’ve ever seen a Victorian range in use, (brought right up to date by using smokeless coal! ). Well worth a visit.
Faburt
A gem of a museum tucked away near Pittville Park
If only all museums were like this one! We spent a happy hour exploring this Victorian house with its rooms furnished with appropriate objects and curios. This is the house where Holst was born and you can see (but not play) his piano. However, there is so much more to this place than just the composer. Start with the short video in the basement to see the residents throughout time. Then use the excellent guidebook to take you through each room up to the nursery in the attic. We followed the special exhibition about the orphans embroidery. This was dotted amongst the rooms. We focussed on this because we only had limited time, but we weren’t worried because our bargain £10 ticket allows us return entry for a full year and KIDS ARE FREE! So, we plan to return and investigate new aspects and special exhibitions each time we visit Cheltenham. Much better than being overwhelmed by information all in one go.
Read More
Read Less
×
Faburt
A gem of a museum tucked away near Pittville Park
If only all museums were like this one! We spent a happy hour exploring this Victorian house with its rooms furnished with appropriate objects and curios. This is the house where Holst was born and you can see (but not play) his piano. However, there is so much more to this place than just the composer. Start with the short video in the basement to see the residents throughout time. Then use the excellent guidebook to take you through each room up to the nursery in the attic. We followed the special exhibition about the orphans embroidery. This was dotted amongst the rooms. We focussed on this because we only had limited time, but we weren’t worried because our bargain £10 ticket allows us return entry for a full year and KIDS ARE FREE! So, we plan to return and investigate new aspects and special exhibitions each time we visit Cheltenham. Much better than being overwhelmed by information all in one go.
Beagleheart
Holstastic
Loads of details about the life of the great Gustav Holst. The 30 minute video is especially illuminating but also plenty of information about general Victorian lifestyle. Recommended.
Read More
Read Less
×
Beagleheart
Holstastic
Loads of details about the life of the great Gustav Holst. The 30 minute video is especially illuminating but also plenty of information about general Victorian lifestyle. Recommended.
Michiel
Sweet museum in Victorian setting
Visited the museum with my children and we all enjoyed our visit to this wonderful small museum on the edge of the centre.We received a warm welcome. The video at the start gave us a lovely framework to start, followed by lots of background information on the life of Gustav Holst from the staff.We had an extra special treat with the victorian cooking in the downstairs kitchen and we could try all kinds of things.All in all a nice visit and I would recommend a tour if you are in Cheltenham
Read More
Read Less
×
Michiel
Sweet museum in Victorian setting
Visited the museum with my children and we all enjoyed our visit to this wonderful small museum on the edge of the centre.We received a warm welcome. The video at the start gave us a lovely framework to start, followed by lots of background information on the life of Gustav Holst from the staff.We had an extra special treat with the victorian cooking in the downstairs kitchen and we could try all kinds of things.All in all a nice visit and I would recommend a tour if you are in Cheltenham
Anonymous
Well worth a visit, even if you are not a Holst fan
V. impressed. This is not a Holst Museum as such, but a Victorian middle class house that GH just happened to be born in. V. informative booklets and knowledgeable and friendly volunteers.
Read More
Read Less
×
Anonymous
Well worth a visit, even if you are not a Holst fan
V. impressed. This is not a Holst Museum as such, but a Victorian middle class house that GH just happened to be born in. V. informative booklets and knowledgeable and friendly volunteers.
Anonymous
Don't miss Holst
Every room has different fascinating artefacts and stories. Excellent videos. Not to be missed if you are in the town.
Read More
Read Less
×
Anonymous
Don't miss Holst
Every room has different fascinating artefacts and stories. Excellent videos. Not to be missed if you are in the town.
Clari Searle
Fascinating museum that covers both Holst and Victorian living. The knowledgeable volunteer shared lots of interesting information with us. Loved it!
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Clari Searle
Fascinating museum that covers both Holst and Victorian living. The knowledgeable volunteer shared lots of interesting information with us. Loved it!
Sarah Dowling
We really enjoyed Holst's house. If you like period houses, or classical music, or both, do visit. Furnished in the period of Holst's childhood. Includes the actual piano he wrote the planets on. Very helpful and knowledgeable staff. Thanks for helping us when we arrived near the end of opening time. If you are national art pass members, you get in free.
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×
Sarah Dowling
We really enjoyed Holst's house. If you like period houses, or classical music, or both, do visit. Furnished in the period of Holst's childhood. Includes the actual piano he wrote the planets on. Very helpful and knowledgeable staff. Thanks for helping us when we arrived near the end of opening time. If you are national art pass members, you get in free.
Allan MacIver
This is a brilliant museum. I paid £10 for entrance and the house is much as it would have been back in the day. I am so glad I made the effort to come. I enjoy the music of Gustav Holst (1874 - 1934) especially The Planets. It was amazing to see the impressive piano it was also great to see a portrait. There are only a few rooms to see and that is what makes the museum so special.
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×
Allan MacIver
This is a brilliant museum. I paid £10 for entrance and the house is much as it would have been back in the day. I am so glad I made the effort to come. I enjoy the music of Gustav Holst (1874 - 1934) especially The Planets. It was amazing to see the impressive piano it was also great to see a portrait. There are only a few rooms to see and that is what makes the museum so special.
Anonymous
Interesting & informative little gem of a museum
We booked to visit which is essential as this museum is small. The volunteer staff were enthusiastic & friendly. There was a welcome desk & excellent guide book to take around.
Read More
Read Less
×
Anonymous
Interesting & informative little gem of a museum
We booked to visit which is essential as this museum is small. The volunteer staff were enthusiastic & friendly. There was a welcome desk & excellent guide book to take around.
Anonymous
Small but engaging
The museum may be small, but it is interesting, and there is a lot of information about Holst, his life and his work.
Read More
Read Less
×
Anonymous
Small but engaging
The museum may be small, but it is interesting, and there is a lot of information about Holst, his life and his work.
Kumudu Studds
Holst's birth place, the Victorian house has got a very good collection on display from that era. There is a room dedicated to Holst. It was a very pleasurable moment to stand by the piano Holst used while listening his pieces of piano music. It was very interesting to know that he had studied Sanskrit in order to create his opera Savitri and some other pieces of music based on Hindu scripts.
Read More
Read Less
×
Kumudu Studds
Holst's birth place, the Victorian house has got a very good collection on display from that era. There is a room dedicated to Holst. It was a very pleasurable moment to stand by the piano Holst used while listening his pieces of piano music. It was very interesting to know that he had studied Sanskrit in order to create his opera Savitri and some other pieces of music based on Hindu scripts.
Doreen Henderson
An interesting little museum. The staff were very helpful and knowledgeable. The items on display were interesting and explained about Holst's life there until he was 8 yrs old. There is a video which is about 20 mins long but there are no subtitles to enable deaf visitors to understand it. Also the sound was so low that hearing people could not hear it either. Entry £7 for adults.
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Read Less
×
Doreen Henderson
An interesting little museum. The staff were very helpful and knowledgeable. The items on display were interesting and explained about Holst's life there until he was 8 yrs old. There is a video which is about 20 mins long but there are no subtitles to enable deaf visitors to understand it. Also the sound was so low that hearing people could not hear it either. Entry £7 for adults.
LaDawn Edwards
This is a lovely little museum that lets visitors get very close to the artifacts, trusting us to treat them with respect. I like that we can take a close look at virtual copies of his original music manuscripts.
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LaDawn Edwards
This is a lovely little museum that lets visitors get very close to the artifacts, trusting us to treat them with respect. I like that we can take a close look at virtual copies of his original music manuscripts.
Holst Victorian House is Supported by
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Anonymous
Lovely little museum
This is a lovely little museum situated in the house where Holst was born. It is lovingly and authentically recreated to represent his time. You can also see the actual piano on which he composed The Planets.
Read More
Read Less
×
Anonymous
Lovely little museum
This is a lovely little museum situated in the house where Holst was born. It is lovingly and authentically recreated to represent his time. You can also see the actual piano on which he composed The Planets.
Alison Lewis
A really lovely place to visit. Very friendly and helpful staff. Lots of things to look at and a booklet with information about the exhibits.
Read More
Read Less
×
Alison Lewis
A really lovely place to visit. Very friendly and helpful staff. Lots of things to look at and a booklet with information about the exhibits.
Scott Lewis
A lovely museum devoted to Holst. It's well presented and very well laid out. There are stairs to go to different floors so please be aware of that. The staff were very friendly indeed, very helpful about other things to do in the town. I really recommend this place
Read More
Read Less
×
Scott Lewis
A lovely museum devoted to Holst. It's well presented and very well laid out. There are stairs to go to different floors so please be aware of that. The staff were very friendly indeed, very helpful about other things to do in the town. I really recommend this place
Valerie T
Such a delight!
I visited this house both because Gustav Holst lived here, and it's a very good example of a Victorian home of the area. It was excellent on both counts. The information provided was thorough (but not too long) and interesting. I really appreciated that they provided details about all occupants of the house, including those who worked in the home. I very much recommend a visit to the Holst Victorian House to anyone with an interest in Holst or Victorian homes.
Read More
Read Less
×
Valerie T
Such a delight!
I visited this house both because Gustav Holst lived here, and it's a very good example of a Victorian home of the area. It was excellent on both counts. The information provided was thorough (but not too long) and interesting. I really appreciated that they provided details about all occupants of the house, including those who worked in the home. I very much recommend a visit to the Holst Victorian House to anyone with an interest in Holst or Victorian homes.
tjthomas1504
A Fascinating Couple of Hours
This is an excellent visit for a couple of hours. So many examples of Victoriana in a small unassuming terrace house with a big story to tell. Very good self guide booklet and various pieces of audio input. A really good piece of living history.
Read More
Read Less
×
tjthomas1504
A Fascinating Couple of Hours
This is an excellent visit for a couple of hours. So many examples of Victoriana in a small unassuming terrace house with a big story to tell. Very good self guide booklet and various pieces of audio input. A really good piece of living history.
I Thomas
Interesting small museum providing an insight into Gustav Holst's victorian home
Read More
Read Less
×
I Thomas
Interesting small museum providing an insight into Gustav Holst's victorian home
nbam187047
Really interesting place
We decided to go here for a Christmas activity. It was very well laid out and we enjoyed the trail. The volunteers and staff here are so lovely and attentive. We had a really interesting and fun morning. The videos are interesting for adults and children alike and it's good value getting a year's membership. Thank you!
Read More
Read Less
×
nbam187047
Really interesting place
We decided to go here for a Christmas activity. It was very well laid out and we enjoyed the trail. The volunteers and staff here are so lovely and attentive. We had a really interesting and fun morning. The videos are interesting for adults and children alike and it's good value getting a year's membership. Thank you!
eutraveller2018
Holst's piano on display and visitors able to actually touch it....wonderful experience.
Wonderful experience see Holst's actual piano he composed on,especially the double wires enabling him to hit the keys with a more gentle pressure because if weakness in right harm.Furniture,fittings and artifacts superbly presented to reveal A genuine Victorian house.
Read More
Read Less
×
eutraveller2018
Holst's piano on display and visitors able to actually touch it....wonderful experience.
Wonderful experience see Holst's actual piano he composed on,especially the double wires enabling him to hit the keys with a more gentle pressure because if weakness in right harm.Furniture,fittings and artifacts superbly presented to reveal A genuine Victorian house.
cwhiteharp
History really comes alive - fascinating!
Amazing presentation!History is really brought to life, with masses to interest anyone who wants to know how people used to live, as well as the musical scholarship on an important British composer. We loved the introductory video, and all the rooms were fascinating! There’s lots to interest children as well. It was fun to be able to spend time in the rooms and imagine living there in the past. We could have spent much longer than the two hours we were able to stay. There are also wonderful resources - many making great use of cutting -edge technology – for those interested in the musical side. We really loved and appreciated the time given to us during our visit, chatting with the staff. Bravo to a fantastic little museum!
Read More
Read Less
×
cwhiteharp
History really comes alive - fascinating!
Amazing presentation!History is really brought to life, with masses to interest anyone who wants to know how people used to live, as well as the musical scholarship on an important British composer. We loved the introductory video, and all the rooms were fascinating! There’s lots to interest children as well. It was fun to be able to spend time in the rooms and imagine living there in the past. We could have spent much longer than the two hours we were able to stay. There are also wonderful resources - many making great use of cutting -edge technology – for those interested in the musical side. We really loved and appreciated the time given to us during our visit, chatting with the staff. Bravo to a fantastic little museum!
BootieLondon
Not to be missed
The only real historic house you can visit in Cheltenham. Holst was born here and stayed till age 7 . You can see the piano Holst composed "The Planets" on and a reconstruction of how the house would have looked with an interesting guide. For me, the trip, both to the house and Cheltenham overall, was made fantastic by Helen , one of the guides who was so welcoming and fun and could not have been more helpful, even giving insight to the places to see in Cheltenham and great coffee places- all of which I can confirm were lovely!
Read More
Read Less
×
BootieLondon
Not to be missed
The only real historic house you can visit in Cheltenham. Holst was born here and stayed till age 7 . You can see the piano Holst composed "The Planets" on and a reconstruction of how the house would have looked with an interesting guide. For me, the trip, both to the house and Cheltenham overall, was made fantastic by Helen , one of the guides who was so welcoming and fun and could not have been more helpful, even giving insight to the places to see in Cheltenham and great coffee places- all of which I can confirm were lovely!
Stay75166
Friendly and informative
This is a wonderful themed museum, packed with items from everyday Victorian life. Gustav Holst was born here and lived in the house until age 7. There are numerous items from Holst’s life, including his grand piano, family portraits, some examples of his music manuscripts and interesting videos to watch. It’s not a big museum as it’s contained within a relatively small middle class house from the period, filled with Victoriana. The staff were very friendly and knowledgeable. When we were there the Victorian range was lit, with biscuits and drop scones to cook and taste - the first time I’ve ever seen a Victorian range in use, (brought right up to date by using smokeless coal! ). Well worth a visit.
Read More
Read Less
×
Stay75166
Friendly and informative
This is a wonderful themed museum, packed with items from everyday Victorian life. Gustav Holst was born here and lived in the house until age 7. There are numerous items from Holst’s life, including his grand piano, family portraits, some examples of his music manuscripts and interesting videos to watch. It’s not a big museum as it’s contained within a relatively small middle class house from the period, filled with Victoriana. The staff were very friendly and knowledgeable. When we were there the Victorian range was lit, with biscuits and drop scones to cook and taste - the first time I’ve ever seen a Victorian range in use, (brought right up to date by using smokeless coal! ). Well worth a visit.
Faburt
A gem of a museum tucked away near Pittville Park
If only all museums were like this one! We spent a happy hour exploring this Victorian house with its rooms furnished with appropriate objects and curios. This is the house where Holst was born and you can see (but not play) his piano. However, there is so much more to this place than just the composer. Start with the short video in the basement to see the residents throughout time. Then use the excellent guidebook to take you through each room up to the nursery in the attic. We followed the special exhibition about the orphans embroidery. This was dotted amongst the rooms. We focussed on this because we only had limited time, but we weren’t worried because our bargain £10 ticket allows us return entry for a full year and KIDS ARE FREE! So, we plan to return and investigate new aspects and special exhibitions each time we visit Cheltenham. Much better than being overwhelmed by information all in one go.
Read More
Read Less
×
Faburt
A gem of a museum tucked away near Pittville Park
If only all museums were like this one! We spent a happy hour exploring this Victorian house with its rooms furnished with appropriate objects and curios. This is the house where Holst was born and you can see (but not play) his piano. However, there is so much more to this place than just the composer. Start with the short video in the basement to see the residents throughout time. Then use the excellent guidebook to take you through each room up to the nursery in the attic. We followed the special exhibition about the orphans embroidery. This was dotted amongst the rooms. We focussed on this because we only had limited time, but we weren’t worried because our bargain £10 ticket allows us return entry for a full year and KIDS ARE FREE! So, we plan to return and investigate new aspects and special exhibitions each time we visit Cheltenham. Much better than being overwhelmed by information all in one go.
Beagleheart
Holstastic
Loads of details about the life of the great Gustav Holst. The 30 minute video is especially illuminating but also plenty of information about general Victorian lifestyle. Recommended.
Read More
Read Less
×
Beagleheart
Holstastic
Loads of details about the life of the great Gustav Holst. The 30 minute video is especially illuminating but also plenty of information about general Victorian lifestyle. Recommended.
Michiel
Sweet museum in Victorian setting
Visited the museum with my children and we all enjoyed our visit to this wonderful small museum on the edge of the centre.We received a warm welcome. The video at the start gave us a lovely framework to start, followed by lots of background information on the life of Gustav Holst from the staff.We had an extra special treat with the victorian cooking in the downstairs kitchen and we could try all kinds of things.All in all a nice visit and I would recommend a tour if you are in Cheltenham
Read More
Read Less
×
Michiel
Sweet museum in Victorian setting
Visited the museum with my children and we all enjoyed our visit to this wonderful small museum on the edge of the centre.We received a warm welcome. The video at the start gave us a lovely framework to start, followed by lots of background information on the life of Gustav Holst from the staff.We had an extra special treat with the victorian cooking in the downstairs kitchen and we could try all kinds of things.All in all a nice visit and I would recommend a tour if you are in Cheltenham
Anonymous
Well worth a visit, even if you are not a Holst fan
V. impressed. This is not a Holst Museum as such, but a Victorian middle class house that GH just happened to be born in. V. informative booklets and knowledgeable and friendly volunteers.
Read More
Read Less
×
Anonymous
Well worth a visit, even if you are not a Holst fan
V. impressed. This is not a Holst Museum as such, but a Victorian middle class house that GH just happened to be born in. V. informative booklets and knowledgeable and friendly volunteers.
Anonymous
Don't miss Holst
Every room has different fascinating artefacts and stories. Excellent videos. Not to be missed if you are in the town.
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Anonymous
Don't miss Holst
Every room has different fascinating artefacts and stories. Excellent videos. Not to be missed if you are in the town.
Clari Searle
Fascinating museum that covers both Holst and Victorian living. The knowledgeable volunteer shared lots of interesting information with us. Loved it!
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Clari Searle
Fascinating museum that covers both Holst and Victorian living. The knowledgeable volunteer shared lots of interesting information with us. Loved it!
Sarah Dowling
We really enjoyed Holst's house. If you like period houses, or classical music, or both, do visit. Furnished in the period of Holst's childhood. Includes the actual piano he wrote the planets on. Very helpful and knowledgeable staff. Thanks for helping us when we arrived near the end of opening time. If you are national art pass members, you get in free.
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Sarah Dowling
We really enjoyed Holst's house. If you like period houses, or classical music, or both, do visit. Furnished in the period of Holst's childhood. Includes the actual piano he wrote the planets on. Very helpful and knowledgeable staff. Thanks for helping us when we arrived near the end of opening time. If you are national art pass members, you get in free.
Allan MacIver
This is a brilliant museum. I paid £10 for entrance and the house is much as it would have been back in the day. I am so glad I made the effort to come. I enjoy the music of Gustav Holst (1874 - 1934) especially The Planets. It was amazing to see the impressive piano it was also great to see a portrait. There are only a few rooms to see and that is what makes the museum so special.
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Allan MacIver
This is a brilliant museum. I paid £10 for entrance and the house is much as it would have been back in the day. I am so glad I made the effort to come. I enjoy the music of Gustav Holst (1874 - 1934) especially The Planets. It was amazing to see the impressive piano it was also great to see a portrait. There are only a few rooms to see and that is what makes the museum so special.
Anonymous
Interesting & informative little gem of a museum
We booked to visit which is essential as this museum is small. The volunteer staff were enthusiastic & friendly. There was a welcome desk & excellent guide book to take around.
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Anonymous
Interesting & informative little gem of a museum
We booked to visit which is essential as this museum is small. The volunteer staff were enthusiastic & friendly. There was a welcome desk & excellent guide book to take around.
Anonymous
Small but engaging
The museum may be small, but it is interesting, and there is a lot of information about Holst, his life and his work.
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Anonymous
Small but engaging
The museum may be small, but it is interesting, and there is a lot of information about Holst, his life and his work.
Kumudu Studds
Holst's birth place, the Victorian house has got a very good collection on display from that era. There is a room dedicated to Holst. It was a very pleasurable moment to stand by the piano Holst used while listening his pieces of piano music. It was very interesting to know that he had studied Sanskrit in order to create his opera Savitri and some other pieces of music based on Hindu scripts.
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Kumudu Studds
Holst's birth place, the Victorian house has got a very good collection on display from that era. There is a room dedicated to Holst. It was a very pleasurable moment to stand by the piano Holst used while listening his pieces of piano music. It was very interesting to know that he had studied Sanskrit in order to create his opera Savitri and some other pieces of music based on Hindu scripts.
Doreen Henderson
An interesting little museum. The staff were very helpful and knowledgeable. The items on display were interesting and explained about Holst's life there until he was 8 yrs old. There is a video which is about 20 mins long but there are no subtitles to enable deaf visitors to understand it. Also the sound was so low that hearing people could not hear it either. Entry £7 for adults.
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Doreen Henderson
An interesting little museum. The staff were very helpful and knowledgeable. The items on display were interesting and explained about Holst's life there until he was 8 yrs old. There is a video which is about 20 mins long but there are no subtitles to enable deaf visitors to understand it. Also the sound was so low that hearing people could not hear it either. Entry £7 for adults.
LaDawn Edwards
This is a lovely little museum that lets visitors get very close to the artifacts, trusting us to treat them with respect. I like that we can take a close look at virtual copies of his original music manuscripts.
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LaDawn Edwards
This is a lovely little museum that lets visitors get very close to the artifacts, trusting us to treat them with respect. I like that we can take a close look at virtual copies of his original music manuscripts.
Gustav Holst’s Great-uncle
1810-1844
Theodor von Holst was born in London, the last of the five children of Matthias and Katharina Holst. His elder brother, Gustavus, was a musician, teacher, and composer, and the two were very close.
Theodor’s precocious drawing talents were recognised by the artist Henry Fuseli and Sir Thomas Lawrence. Lawrence even bought drawings from the ten-year-old von Holst. Fuseli trained the young man in his early years, after which he was admitted to the Royal Academy Schools in 1824.
Theodor exhibited his Gothic-Romantic paintings at the Royal Academy. Significantly, he became the first illustrator of Mary Shelley’s
Frankenstein
, providing the frontispiece to the 1831 edition. Several of Theodor’s later works, including The Wish, 1840, and The Bride, 1842, inspired the Pre-Raphaelites, most notably Dante Gabriel Rossetti.
The Holst Victorian House has several of Theodor’s works on display in its sumptuous late Victorian Drawing Room – the perfect backdrop for Holst’s romantic style.
Theodor’s work is in several national and international collections, including The Tate. More information about Theodor is on The Tate’s website:
https://www.tate.org.uk/art/artists/theodor-von-holst-572
Gustav Holst’s Grandfather
1799-1870
Gustavus von Holst was the first Holst to settle in Cheltenham, although he was born in Riga, Latvia, in 1799. The eldest child of Matthias and Katherina Holst, his parents had met when Matthias was a musician at the Imperial Russian Court in St Petersburg; Katherina was possibly a member of the Imperial Russian family.
The Holsts moved to London in the early 1800s, probably because of the political situation on the continent. Equally, London was a place of opportunity for musicians at this time. Once settled in London, Matthias and Katherina had their fifth and last child: Theodor von Holst. Even though Theodor was ten years younger than Gustavus, the two brothers were very close. Interestingly, both brothers added ‘von’ to their name – possibly to appear more distinguished and, significantly, more German. German culture, particularly music, was much admired throughout the 19th century.
It was a musical and artistic household, and all the Holst children learnt to play instruments. However, it was Gustavus who specifically followed his father, becoming a composer and also teaching harp and pianoforte.
By the 1830s, Gustavus was visiting Cheltenham for ‘the season’, when wealthy families required music tutors for their daughters.  By the 1850s, Gustavus had moved permanently to the town, accompanied by his wife, Honoria, and their five children. Living in the Montpellier area, he combined selling harps, pianofortes, and sheet music at his shop with being the first Professor of Music at the newly opened Cheltenham Ladies’ College.
All of Gustavus’s children grew up to be musicians, including his son, Adolphus (Adolph). The two of them were living together in Cambray, Cheltenham, when Gustavus died in 1870, aged 70.
Imogen Holst
Gustav Holst’s Daughter
1907-1984
Imogen Holst was the only child of Gustav and Isobel Holst. Educated at St Paul’s Girls’ School, London, where her father was Director of Music, she grew up to be a musician, composer,  and writer. She was closely involved with the establishment of the Holst Birthplace Museum, which opened on 21 October 1975.
In the early 1950s, Imogen became
Benjamin Britten
‘s musical assistant, moved to
Aldeburgh
, and began helping with the organisation of the annual Aldeburgh Festival. Much of her archive is housed at The Red House, the home of Benjamin Britten and Peter Pears, which is managed by Britten-Pears Arts
Discover more about Imogen Holst and her remarkable life and work by visiting this link to Britten-Pears Arts:
https://www.brittenpearsarts.org/imogen-holst-in-her-own-orbit
Volunteering With Us
Our volunteers help with:
Welcoming visitors at reception
Leading guided tours
Running our small shop
Supporting school trips and craft activities
Administration and fundraising
Caring for the garden, tuning the piano and conservation
Cataloguing historic items
You don’t need any prior knowledge of Gustav Holst or Victorian history – just enthusiasm and a willingness to get involved. Volunteers must be 18 or over. To find out more, you can download detailed role descriptions for
Front of House
and
Learning Volunteer
. If one of these roles sounds right for you – or if you have other skills you’d like to offer – we’d love to hear from you!
Trustee Requirements & Information
We’re particularly keen to hear from people with skills in fundraising, membership development, or building conservation. Trustees help shape our strategy, strengthen the Museum’s future, and gain valuable leadership and networking experience.
Trustees meet approximately every six weeks, either in person or online, with full induction and training provided. If you’d like to find out more, please contact us for an informal chat at
. We’d love to hear from you.
Membership Benefits & Prices
As a thank you, you’ll receive free admission, regular updates, the
Holst House Journal
, and membership of the Holst Birthplace Trust. We’d be delighted to welcome you. Check out our rates, below:
Annual
Single: £20
Joint or Family: £30
Benefactor, Single: £60
Benefactor, Joint: £100
Lifetime
Single: £300
Joint or Family: £400
Benefactor, Single: £1,000
Benefactor, Joint: £1,500
The Bedroom
The bedroom was a place where people washed, used a chamber pot, gave birth and suffered sickness. All of these things could spread germs. As concerns grew around hygiene as the 19th century progressed, people were advised to keep bedrooms simple, well lit and easy to clean.
By the 1860s, heavy wooden four-poster beds with curtains had been replaced by plain brass beds without hangings. Other essential furniture included a dressing table, a wardrobe, a chest of drawers and a washstand.
As the Victorian bedroom was a private space and not for show, it lacked the grand architectural features found in a dining or drawing room. Here, there is just a cornice and a picture rail, typically painted in a contrasting colour to the wallpaper and fabrics. The wallpaper in this room has been hand printed from an 1870s woodblock in the Cole & Son archive.
The Drawing Room
The late Victorian Drawing Room could be a crowded space, crammed with furniture and nick-knacks, all communicating the master and mistress’s wealth and status. It was primarily a feminine zone, where afternoon tea would be taken with callers while they admired the interior decor and ornaments.
The wallpaper in this room is hand printed from an original (1830) Cole & Son woodblock, the mica in the ink shimmering in the lamplight. Against such a backdrop the mistress would write letters, read, sew – and play the piano.
The Sitting Room
Open-plan living is a very modern idea; Victorians preferred single-function spaces – for example, separating cooking and washing into two different rooms.
In this snug little room the mistress and the maid would have discussed the meals for the coming week and the maid would have done the household’s mending. If she managed to snatch a few hours for herself in the evening, the maid might have carried out her own sewing projects in front of the fire.
The Kitchen
‘What place is more cosy on a cold winter’s night than the kitchen fireside?’ writes the author of an article in Cassell’s 1889
Book of The Household
. Of course, they neglect to mention the immense toil involved in keeping going the source of that warmth, the cast-iron range. The household relied on the range for its cooking and hot water, and the maid would need to attend to the fire throughout the day, including during the summer months.
Our range was reclaimed from a Cheltenham property in the 1970s and installed when the Museum was set up in 1974. The distinctive blue and white transfer-printed tiles recall Landseer’s painting
Monarch of the Glen
. The Highland theme was very on-trend in Victorian Britain, when there was a craze for all things Scottish, owing to Queen Victoria’s love for Scotland.
Adam Jones
Trustee
Adam is a marketing professional with more than a decade’s experience in the cultural and heritage sector
. He is currently Head of Marketing and Commercial Operations at the Aerospace Bristol museum
and previously served as
Tourism Ambassador on the Chartered Institute of Marketing’s South West Regional Board
. Adam
joined in 2024 and is passionate about helping museums reach wider audiences and grow their impact.
James Golding
Trustee
James is a qualified Aeronautical Engineer who began his career as a graduate landing gear engineer at Airbus. Since 2019, he has run Digital Lychee, his own web design business, helping organisations build engaging, user-friendly websites. He holds a Private Pilot’s Licence and is a lifelong Leeds United supporter. Passionate about storytelling and digital accessibility, James is proud to support Holst Victorian House in sharing its history with new audiences.
Joe O'Donnell
Trustee
Joe is the former Director of The Victorian Society, the national charity campaigning for Victorian and Edwardian heritage. He has also served as Head of Policy for The Heritage Alliance, the umbrella body for the heritage sector, among other roles. He is currently restoring an 1870s house in London.
Paul Newman
Trustee
Paul joined in July 2024, having spent 30 years as a journalist, editor and TV producer for the BBC in Liverpool, London and Birmingham. Paul also volunteers for the Cheltenham Literary and Music Festivals and was christened at Cranham Church on a particularly Bleak Midwinter day.
Paul Brokeman
Treasurer
Paul is a qualified accountant and corporate treasurer and is recently retired from a career working in Financial Services. He studied Maths and Music at University and has been an amateur musician for many years playing trumpet in various orchestras in and around Cheltenham, including performing a number of works by Holst. He is also a volunteer Cotswold Warden.
John Wright
Music Trustee
John is a professional musician, with a background in teaching, organ and piano playing, and conducting. He is the conductor of Charlton Kings Choral Society and an examiner for ABRSM. His editing of some of Holst’s early works has resulted in several first publications and recordings.
Sarah Staniforth
Buildings & Collections Trustee
Sarah worked for the National Trust in a number of roles in the Conservation and Historic Properties Departments. She is currently a Trustee of the Science Museum Group and the Blenheim Palace Heritage Foundation. Her interests include conservation and the historic environment.
John Beard
Honorary Secretary
John was co-opted as Secretary in 2022. He is a retired Civil Servant, whose interests include music and history. He has been Secretary of the Friends of The Wilson and is currently Secretary of Cheltenham Music Festival Society and Cheltenham Music Society.
Steve Leary
Co-chair
Steve joined in September 2022 and has over 30 years’ experience in portfolio, programme & project management. He is also co-chair of the Association for Project Management (APM) Portfolio Management group. Steve lives locally, with Nancy, and is interested in music, particularly jazz, and plays saxophone in a couple of local bands including the Metz Big Band.
Martin Renshaw
Co-chair
Martin became a Trustee in 2020 and is responsible for a major ongoing project to embed rebranding as well as digitising the Museum’s collections. Previously he worked in IT as a computer programmer and project manager. He also undertakes voluntary activities at Cheltenham Bridge Club.
Laura Kinnear
Curator
Laura has been Curator since 2008. Her love of museums began as a child aged 8, when she first visited the Holst and the Pittville Pump Room Costume Museum. On completing her Masters in Museology at UEA (2004) she worked at Gloucester Folk Museum and The Wilson. She is passionate about interpretation and widening audiences. When she is not working at the Museum she can be found writing her novel.
Sabine Orton
Operations Manager
Sabine started at the Museum in January 2022 as a Volunteer which she combined with an Open University Art History degree. When the position as Operations Manager became vacant in early 2024 Sabine grabbed the opportunity. Having previous experience from both the commercial and charitable sectors, as well as a passion for Museums, Sabine has enjoyed taking on the role. Interacting with visitors to the Museum and Volunteers on a daily basis is what makes the role so enjoyable.
Shannon Meade
I’ve been with the Holst Victorian House as a volunteer since September 2020 as I was looking to stay connected with the museum sector whilst on furlough. As a recent MA graduate in Heritage and Interpretation thought I could make a meaningful contribution.
I’ve done front of house shifts, assisted with logging accessioned objects to the collection database and joined a working group where I was able to put my experience in the sector and MA to use consulting on an upcoming project.
I used to sit in the Imperial Gardens and listen to Holst symphonies, so getting to learn about his life and what influenced and inspired him was amazing. I really enjoyed helping with logging the accessioned objects to the database because it gave me a chance to get almost personally acquainted with Holst and his daughter, Imogen. Seeing what they chose to give friends, their correspondences and the artefacts such as playbooks, transported me back in time.
Eileen Ferguson
Eileen has been volunteering at the Museum for over 10 years. She no longer staffs Front of House but is still very much involved in other capacities. We asked her what she enjoys about volunteering.
“One of the most enjoyable aspects of working here is meeting interesting visitors. It’s such a pleasure to hear why they’ve come to Holst’s birthplace. For some it’s a homage… for others it’s curiosity about the man and his work.
Then there are the ‘something-to-do-in-Cheltenham’ visitors, many of whom have expressed their surprise and delight at how interesting it is. We also have the ‘somewhere-to-get-out-of-the-rain/fog/cold/heat’ folk, who end up being amazed and enthusiastic.
Another thing that I like about being a Volunteer here is the good company of fellow workers!  We all seem to get along so well.”
Emily May Barnard
Emily joined the Volunteer team during lockdown. She has recently graduated and is considering work in the museum sector. Volunteering seemed like a good way to find out if it was the career for her, as well as to gain valuable experience.
Whilst the Museum was closed during lockdown she threw herself into volunteering from home using her graphic design skills to produce materials and helping to plan activities and prepare resources for family drop in sessions to be run by the Museum over the school holidays.
Now that the Museum is open again, Emily is a regular Front of House Volunteer and a member of the Learning Committee.
Paul Treble
Paul has been volunteering for the Holst Victorian House for about 3 years.
When he joined the team he was looking for a useful role, but without the level of responsibility of a trustee. He had some spare time, having relinquished the Chairmanship of DART, a charity that ran residential holidays on broad beam canal boats for people with disabilities. He had recently had to give up driving and the museum was a short bus ride from home.
Since joining the museum Paul has become an invaluable member of the front of house team, as well as volunteering in many other capacities.
During lockdown Paul took on the task of making sure all the museum’s electrical equipment was PAT tested and set up a system for the future. A big thank you to Paul, for his diligence in completing this sterling piece of work.
“I guess the thing I am enjoying most is solving problems. It’s how I made my living before I retired and it is still the main thing that motivates me.” Paul.
It’s great to have someone on the team like Paul who is always happy to take on a problem and provide a solution.
Isobel Holst
Gustav Holst’s Wife
1876-1969
Isobel Harrison – Gustav Holst’s future wife – was born at 1 Myddleton Terrace, Finsbury Road, Wood Green in North London on 26 March 1876. Her parents were Ralph Augustus Harrison, a Merchant’s Clerk, and Jessie Elizabeth Harrison née Davis.
Isobel and Gustav met at the Hammersmith Socialist Society in the late 1890s, where they both attended the Society’s meetings, and Gustav conducted the Socialist Choir, which Isobel joined as a soprano.
Isobel and Gustav married at Fulham Register Office on 22 June 1901, beginning their married life in two rented rooms in Shepherd’s Bush, with Isobel dressmaking to help financially.  On 12 April 1907, their only child, Imogen, was born.
During the First World War, Isobel volunteered for the Green Cross as a part-time driver in the Women’s Reserve Ambulance.
In 1923, she accompanied Gustav on his first two-month visit to America.  However, the pair spent periods of time apart, with Isobel in Thaxted, Essex, while Gustav worked in London or travelled abroad.
Isobel had a flair for home making and decorating, and embraced country life. She joined the English Folk Dance Society, Essex Archaeological Society and Essex Agricultural Society and supported the Women’s Institute as well as Thaxted church.
She died in Stow Lodge Hospital, Stowmarket, on 16th April 1969. Isobel has no grave, but her obituary in The Times on 19th April 1969 recorded that she had been “kind and generous”, and brought in to Gustav’s life “grace and ease and comfort”.
Isobel had a flair for design and embroidery. She also embraced country life, joining the English Folk Dance Society, Essex Archaeological Society, Essex Agricultural Society. She was also very active with the Women’s Institute and supported Thaxted church.
She died in Stow Lodge Hospital, Stowmarket, on 16 April 1969. Isobel has no grave, but her obituary in The Times on 19 April 1969 recorded that she had been ‘kind and generous’,  and brought Gustav’s life ‘grace and ease.’
Emil von Holst
Gustav Holst’s Brother
1876-1951
Emil von Holst was born at 4 Pittville Terrace just two years after his older brother, Gustav.
Emil enjoyed playing practical jokes on his brother and would sometimes move the time on the clock back during Gustav’s hated violin practice, forcing him to practice for longer!
Emil attended Dean Close School in Cheltenham, but left the town as a young man, working as a clerk in a wine-maker’s office in London.  He later became an actor, changing his name to Ernest Cossart. He was successful on Broadway and in Hollywood. His film roles included playing Ginger Rogers’ father in
Kitty Foyle
. He died in New York in 1951.
Adolphus von Holst
Gustav Holst’s Father
1846-1901
As the son of a music teacher and composer, Adolph was taught how to play the piano from a young age. As an adult, he taught music to the middle and upper classes in Cheltenham; he also frequently performed as a concert pianist and was employed as an organist and conductor, firstly at St. Paul’s Church and later at All Saints Church.  He fell in love with Clara Cox Lediard, one of his pupils, whom he taught at her home, 4 Pittville Terrace.
After Clara’s death, Adolphus moved his family out of 4 Pittville Terrace. His sister Nina initially helped look after the children. He married for a second time in 1885 to Mary Thorley Stone, another pupil. They had two children, Matthias and Thorley.  Sadly,  Adolphus struggled with a drinking problem for much of his life and died in 1901 at the age of 55.
Clara von Holst (nee Lediard)
Gustav Holst’s Mother
1841-1882
Clara Cox was the daughter of Mary Croft Whatley and Samuel Lediard of Cirencester. As the daughter of a solicitor, Clara would have grown up in relatively comfortable surroundings. She was taught to sing and play the piano. She was a gifted musician, playing and teaching the piano at Cranham parish church, where the family owned a house, and giving piano recitals in Cheltenham.
She met Adolph von Holst when he taught her piano at her home at 4 Pittville Terrace. Marrying in 1871, they had two children, Gustav and Emil. Clara managed the household, whilst Adolphus worked as a teacher and also performed as a concert pianist.  However, Clara increasingly suffered from her ‘nerves’ during her marriage, forcing Adolphus to practice the piano on a silent keyboard. It is likely that Clara died of heart disease following a stillbirth when she was just 40 years old.
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