Elizabeth Randles

Who was Elizabeth Randles?

Elizabeth Randles was a Welsh harpist and pianist. She was born in Wrexham on 24 May 1801, the daughter of Edward Randles, the blind organist of the parish church, Wrexham. She became known as ‘the Little Cambrian Prodigy’ for her ability to play the piano and harp.

Before she was two years old she played "Ar hyd y nos" and "The Downfall of Paris" on the harp at the Wrexham theatre. When she was only three years old she played before George III, Queen Charlotte and other members of the Royal Family. She created such a sensation that the Princess of Wales wished to adopt her, but her father would not part with his child. She however later went to pass a week at the house of the Princess Charlotte, at Blackheath.

She died in Liverpool in June 1829.