Born in Yorkshire, Thomas Charles Arnold spent much of his life travelling, although he considered Brighton to be his second home.

[1] His business activities were extensive, and included opera, classical plays, films, revues, American rodeo and variety, ice spectaculars and circuses.

One of the most versatile and successful theatrical businessmen of his day, his empire extended to the continent and South Africa.

[1] In the year he died he was responsible for the production of fifteen pantomimes with a total cost of half a million pounds.

[2] He left a widow Helen, daughter Louise and a son Tom who became a Conservative Member of Parliament for Hazel Grove (1974-1997).