Violet Alford


Violet Alford was an internationally recognised authority on folk dancing and its related music and folk customs. She believed that a common prehistoric root explained the similarities found across much of Europe.

Early life

Alford was born the third daughter of Canon Josiah George Alford of Bristol Cathedral. She had the typical upbringing of a Victorian society lady; her father taught her and her sisters music, and a governess was responsible for their other early education. After completing her studies at Clifton High School Violet was sent to a finishing school for girls in Switzerland.

Selected works