Chelsea Gardens
CHELSEA GARDENS: Balloon ascent venue
Operated by: André-Jacques Garnerin
Location: Near Ranelagh Gate
Period of operation: 28th June 1802
NOTES: Although Garnerin had established a reputation, especially in Paris, for aerial acrobatics, (not aerobatics of course), parachute drops (later also by his wife Jeanne-Geneviève), and aerial firework displays - it appears that this was simply a solo ascent.
His wife incidentally was the first woman recorded as making a parachute descent, and that was in 1799
He flew over central London, lifting off in a strong wind, and crash landed near Colchester. Although his balloon was quite badly damaged, he promised to make another ascent within the week, which he did. See OLD LORD'S CRICKET GROUND.
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