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Concept
Thomas Britton
Summary
Thomas Britton (14 January 1644 – 27 September 1714) was an English charcoal merchant best known as a concert promoter.
Born in Rushden, Northamptonshire, Britton moved to London at a young age and apprenticed himself to a small coal-man (a charcoal merchant) in Clerkenwell. He learnt the trade and returned to his home village, but soon returned to London in search of better opportunities. Setting up a business to rival that of his former master, he turned a stable off Aylesbury Street into his store and home.
In London, Britton became known for his singing voice. His business proved successful, and he spent much of his spare income on building up a library. Through this activity, he became known to other book collectors, and was able to meet and discuss literature with various nobles.
Britton also studied chemistry under the tutelage of his neighbour Theophilus Garencières. He constructed a moving laboratory for Garencières, and a Welsh friend of the scientist paid Britton to construct a similar building for him. Garencières and Britton became friends, and also shared a love of esoteric ideas, Britton having an interest in Rosicrucianism.
In 1678, Britton fitted the loft of his Clerkenwell house out as a tiny concert hall, fitting a harpsichord and an organ with only five stops. Despite the unglamorous venue, accessible only by an external staircase, the relative novelty of a series of concerts, coupled with the support of Roger L'Estrange, who inaugurated the venue with a performance on the viol, attracted a considerable audience.
Britton's knowledge of literature and the arts became well known, and his modest and honest nature and acceptance of his social position was often noted. These were qualities appreciated by contemporaries who considered themselves socially superior. His concerts became regarded as the premier venue for chamber music in London, with an audience drawn from a wide social strata. At first, concerts were free, but Britton later requested an annual subscription of ten shillings, considered exceptionally low even at the time.
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