Heriots Hospital
HERIOT’S HOSPITAL: Balloon ascent venue
Operated by: Mr Vincenzo Lunardi
Location: In/near the centre of Edinburgh it appears, possibly on the site of the present day Royal Infirmary? Seems likely perhaps as George Heriot’s School is situated on modern maps just to the north? On the other hand one report says, “In the school grounds of Heriot’s Hospital!”
Period of operation: 12th September 1785
NOTES: This is an excellent example to illustrate just how quickly technology can develop. Just over one year after James Tytler made the first “official” flight in the UK from Edinburgh in COMELY GARDENS with a hot-air balloon. Yet here we have Lunardi with a vastly superior hydrogen-filled balloon. It appears that before coming to Edinburgh he had already made several flights in England. A plaque beside the B940 E of Cere’s, (presumably in/near and S of Pitscottie?), still celebrates where he landed.
It is recorded that prior to launching he was greatly concerned about an increasing wind strength which posed considerable danger but nevertheless launched at 15.45 to gently ascend at 16.20. This is according to James Allen who has researched this flight and published it in his excellent book about the history of The Scottish Aero Club. If these reports are correct this flight was very dangerous, verging on suicidal probably.The distance from central Edinburgh to east of Ceres is about 27nm which gives an average over the ground speed of over 50mph!
It seems Lunardi returned to ‘display’ in Edinburgh later but nothing seems known as to where and when for this occassion? Similarly vague details appear known as to his previous balloon launching sites in KELSO, GLASGOW and PAISLEY. Can anybody help here?
Carol Coventry
This comment was written on: 2020-09-01 14:27:48Heriot's Hospital was the old name of George Heriot's School. The school was founded by George Heriot in 1628. As a school we celebrated Lunardi Day on 12th Sep 1985.
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