Home Of Hope And Glory

The lyrics to 'Land of Hope and Glory' - arguably the most quintessentially English piece of music ever - were perhaps written under Radio 3 presenter Katie Derham's roof. For 15 years the Derhams have been making a home in the Sussex residence previously occupied by the Bensons, that famous Victorian family of writers, philosophers, and an Archbishop of Canterbury. One of the sons - Arthur Christopher Benson - was the poet responsible for penning rousing words to Edward Elgar's stately music.

The song has endured, of course - becoming a symbol of patriotism and pride that's still sung at the Last Night of the Proms. But couplets that appear to celebrate Britain's empire ('God who made thee mighty / Make thee mightier yet') have their critics. In this documentary, Derham opens up her home to delve into the fascinating, infamous history of this iconic composition.

With contributions from:

- Jessica Duchen, novelist, librettist & classical music critic

- Eamon Duffy, Benson historian & Emeritus Professor of the History of Christianity at the University of Cambridge

- Sir Mark Elder, British conductor who first conducted the Last Night of the Proms in 1987

- Daniel Kidane, British composer whose piece 'Woke' opened the Last Night Of The Proms in 2019

- Nalini Ghuman, Elgar expert & musicologist whose research focuses on nationalism and identity

- Daniel Grimley, Professor of Music at the University of Oxford

- Andrew Neill, former Chairman of the Elgar Society

Producer: Fiona Clampin

Exec Producer: Jack Howson

Mix Engineer: Olga Reed

Additional Instrumental Music by: Thomas Scott

Katie Derham delves into the fascinating history and legacy of 'Land of Hope and Glory'.

BBC Proms presenter Katie Derham delves into the fascinating history and legacy of 'Land of Hope and Glory', a piece of music that feels particularly close to home.

The lyrics to 'Land of Hope and Glory' - arguably the most quintessentially English piece of music ever - were perhaps written under Radio 3 presenter Katie Derham's roof. For 15 years the Derhams have been making a home in the Sussex residence previously occupied by the Bensons, that famous Victorian family of writers, philosophers, and an Archbishop of Canterbury. One of the sons - Arthur Christopher Benson - was the poet responsible for penning words to Edward Elgar's music, in celebration of Britain's glorious international role.

The song has endured, of course - becoming a symbol of patriotism and pride that is still sung at the Last Night of the Proms. In this documentary, Derham opens up her home, and talks to historians and musicologists to delve into the fascinating, infamous history of this composition.

- Nalina Ghuman, Elgar expert & musicologist whose research focuses on nationalism and identity