Thomas Arne Blue Plaque

Camden Erected 1988

Inscription

Thomas Arne 1710-1778 composer lived here

About This Blue Plaque

Thomas Arne was a prominent English composer best known for his patriotic song “Rule, Britannia!” which is still performed at the annual Last Night of the Proms concerts. Born in 1710 in Covent Garden, London, Arne showed musical talent from a young age. Despite training in law, he pursued his passion for music, composing for the theatre, opera, and masquerades.

Arne lived at 31 King Street in Covent Garden, an area that was a hub of theatre and artistic life in 18th century London. Many of his works were premiered at the nearby Theatre Royal, Drury Lane and Covent Garden Theatre. He is considered a key figure in the revival of English opera in the 1730s.

In addition to “Rule, Britannia!”, some of Arne’s other well-known compositions include the opera Artaxerxes, the masque Alfred, and the popular song “A-Hunting We Will Go”. He was a leading figure in London’s musical scene until his death in 1778. This blue plaque, erected in 1988, commemorates Arne’s life and enduring musical legacy tied to this culturally rich part of central London.