John James Heidegger

John James (Johann Jacob) Heidegger (Zürich 19 June 1666 – Richmond upon Thames 5 September 1749) was a leading impresario of masquerades in England in the early part of the 18th century.

Indeed, much of the occasion's popularity resulted from the aura of sexual danger and mystery, as women of pleasure were also constantly present.

In 1727, during the coronation of King George II in Westminster Hall, he provided a spectacle of lighting 1800 candles in under three minutes.

In 1729 Handel and Heidegger were permitted to produce operas at the King's Theatre by The Royal Academy in London.

"I was born," Heidegger himself said, "a Swiss, and came to England without a farthing, where I have found means to gain 5000 a year, — and to spend it.