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John James (Johann Jacob) Heidegger (June 19, 1666 – September 5, 1749), was a Swiss count and leading impresario of masquerades in the early part of the 18thCentury, who became manager of the Opera House and Master of Revels in London under King George II. He lived at Richmond between 1723 and 1726, then at Barn Elms. He came to England in 1708 in the hope of becoming a negotiator but within a short while had run short of money and abandoned his original ambitions. He found success in the theatre, creating sets and from there, in 1710, began to run a new commercial public entertainment, promoting masquerade balls at the Haymarket Theatre. These became so successful he became wealthy and was mixing with royalty. In 1728 he entertained George II at Barn Elms House. Another visitor was Handel who had lived at the property for a time, he employed Heidegger to produce sets. Heidegger died at 4 Maids of Honour Row, Richmond.
