"Rule Britannia" is a British patriotic song, originating from the poem "Rule, Britannia" by James Thomson which was set to music in 1740 by Thomas Arne.
"Rule Britannia" is a British patriotic song, originating from the poem "Rule, Britannia" by James Thomson which was set to music in 1740 by Thomas Arne. Strongly associated with the Royal Navy, it was originally included in “Alfred, a masque” about Alfred the Great co-written by Thomson to commemorate the accession of George II.
Thomas Arne (1710-1778) was an English composer, best known for this song. He also wrote a version of “God Save the King”, which became the British national anthem, and the song “A-Hunting We Will Go”. During the 18th century Arne was the leading British theatre composer, working mainly in Drury Lane and Covent Garden.
Traditionally performed at the Last Night of the Proms, it is usually sung to 3 verses, although the original had 6 verses.
