Britons, Strike Home!

is a British patriotic song, originally an air written for a theatrical production by Henry Purcell in 1695.

Purcell's score has the "Z number" Z 574 and ranks amongst his finest music for the theatre,[1] In the play, the Ancient British general, Charatach is trying to rouse the army of Queen Bonduca against the Romans.

He appeals to their god Divine Andate and finally commands, Now Sing, ye Druids.

[2] In 1728, the tune was used as Air LIX in The Beggar's Opera by John Gay.

[4] Should Frenchmen e'er pollute Britannia's strand, Or press with hostile hoof this sacred strand; The daring deed should every Briton arm To save his native land from dire alarm; Her freeborn sons should instant take the field, The Altar and the Throne to shield.

An unusually vicious caricature print by James Gillray dated 1803 and entitled "BUONAPARTE, 48 Hours after Landing!" . Napoleon 's severed head is held aloft on a pitchfork by John Bull whose hat bears the legend "BRITONS STRIKE HOME", which was a popular slogan during the Napoleonic Wars.