thomas arne (born in london, baptized 28 may 1710; died in london, 5 march 1778) was an english composer and violinist. he was the most famous musician in the theatre in england in the 18th century. he wrote music for lots of plays. he had a great gift for writing beautiful tunes. songs such as "where the bee sucks" are still very popular. his best known tune is "rule britannia" which is sung every year at the last night of the proms.