Thomas Arne

Thomas Arne (1710-1778) was an English composer, best known for:

• The popular patriotic song, Rule Britannia, which is still frequently sung, notably at the Last Night of the Proms
• His musical settings of songs from the plays of William Shakespeare.

His sister, Susannah Maria Arne, was a famous contralto who performed in some of his works, including his first opera, Rosamund, performed in 1733.