Georgian Era Balloonomania 🎈

• November 21, 1783: The first manned flight over Paris with Pilâtre de Rozier and Marquis d’Arlandes.

• 2 years later, in 1785, Pilatre de Rozier attempted to cross the English Channel. Unfortunately it caught fire thirty minutes after liftoff!

• 1784 – Italian Lunardi successfully flew over London.

• 1862 British aeronauts James Glaisher and Henry Coxwell set the world record for balloon flight.

Read more here:

All Things Georgian

History of Ballooning

Uni of Cambridge

Swap: In your character's voice, write a short letter or note card describing your thoughts and observations about witnessing the first London launch of a hot air balloon ‘Balloonomania’. Be as creative as you wish about your character in your letter. Be daring as a balloonist; sketch the scene or compose a poem.

Here are some writing prompts to whet your imagination:

• Did your character go with family or friends?
• Was it a day trip or a week-long excursion?
• Were they at the launch or the landing?
• Did you purchase any mementos of the great aerial event?
• What are their predictions for the future of air travel?

September 15, 1784 Lunardi launched a hydrogen balloon (pictured replica), on the northern outskirts of London. For the flight, Lunardi was accompanied by three companions: a dog, a cat and a pigeon. A special stand had been erected for George, the Prince of Wales, who tipped his silk hat in deference. The balloon drifted north for 24 miles before landing safely in Hertfordshire.

If you’re really keen on making a super nice balloon, here’s a free template (once you sign up to her blog).

3D Hot Air Balloon