Plaque for woman who inspired Elgar

Edward Elgar named part of his Enigma Variations "Dorabella" after Dora Penny

A blue plaque is going to be unveiled to celebrate the life of a rector's daughter with a passion for cycling and ties to the composer Edward Elgar.

Dora Penny, who is also known as Dorabella, first met Elgar in 1895 and he sent her a coded message known as "The Dorabella Cipher".

She is also known for accompanying Elgar to watch his first Wolverhampton Wanderers match in 1896 and for being an inspiration for some of his most famous music.

The plaque has been arranged by the Wolverhampton Society.

Ms Penny moved to Wolverhampton at the age of 21 when her father became the Rector of St Peter's church in the city.

Elgar, who was 40 at the time, came to stay with the family because his wife was a friend of Ms Penny's stepmother.

Later, he named Variation 10 of his 1899 Variations on an Original Theme (Enigma) "Dorabella" as a dedication to her.

The plaque in Wolverhampton celebrates Dorabella's many claims to fame

The society said she was also notable for her singing, for forming and conducting her own string orchestra, and causing eyebrows to be raised for her performance of comic operas.

She was known for her long distance cycle rides, including a tour of 398 miles, and some credit her with inspiring Elgar to take up cycling himself.

In 1937 she published the story of her days at the Old Rectory in Wolverhampton and the times she spent with Elgar and his family.

The plaque will be unveiled at her former home on Saturday.