Lewes
Note: This map only gives the position of the town of Lewes within the UK. If anybody can give advice about exactly where Charles Green landed, this will be much appreciated.
LEWES: Balloon landing site
NOTES: In his book Falling Upwards Richard Holmes tells us that in 1838, the famous aeronaut Charles Green made an ascent from Lewes in his balloon Royal Nassau to twenty-one thousand feet to test a new aneroid barometer for a friend.
However, further investigation reveals that it appears that the launch venue was VAUXHALL GARDENs in London, on the 4th September 1838, and that Mr Green landed the Nassau in or near to Lewes.
This it appears was an international world record for altitude. Charles Green was, during the first half of the nineteenth century, arguably the most famous British aeronaut and is reputed to have made five hundred and twenty six ascents during his career. He was normally to be seen, with his Nassau balloon, at the VAUXHALL GARDENS venue on the south bank in London.
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