Names on the buses

 667 Dame Clara Butt

747 Dame Clara Butt

Connections with Brighton and Hove : 1872 - 1936
Dame Clara Butt was born in Adur Terrace, Southwick and baptised in the Wesleyan Methodist Church. Her father was an oyster trawlerman and her mother from an old Shoreham family. The family later settled in Bristol. Clara showed so much talent as a singer that she won a prestigious scholarship to the Royal College of Music. When only 21 she sang before the Prince of Wales and soon after gave private performances for Queen Victoria. This was the start of a glittering musical career. Her glorious contralto voice, agile singing technique and powerful stage presence found many fans and she became a successful recording artist as well as an international celebrity. She headlined sell-out tours across the world and her most popular song was 'Land of Hope and Glory'. Once, when she performed this in Dover, the conductor Sir Thomas Beecham swore that she could be heard in France. During the First World War, Dame Clara put her talents to the service of war charities. She raised more than £100,000 and was awarded the DBE for her hard work. One of the most celebrated singers of the era, Dame Clara was loved by many. When she married the baritone Robert Rumford in Bristol Cathedral in 1900, thousands of well-wishers flocked to see her. In 1903 she purchased a luxury apartment on the Hove seafront. Sadly, personal tragedy dogged Dame Clara's later life: One son died of meningitis and another committed suicide. Later, she developed cancer of the spine but continued to work until her death in 1936.

667 Scania Omnidekka - carried name since delivery in May 2006, Coaster vinyls removed September 2006. Bus sold in May 2025. Name reappeared on 747 ADL Enviro400 in December 2025.