Balloon incident at Thorne.

On Thursday, 25th May 1826 from a site described in newspapers as being at "Mr Thompson's back yard, Beck-side", Beverley a publicised balloon flight was attempted during a race meeting. The balloon was filled with the town's gas supply and then both the balloon owner got in followed by Mr Rees Davies of Hull. By 12.30hrs the balloon was ready to ascend but a strong wind combined with the weight of the two men in the basket saw the balloon fail to rise and also collide with a wall. It then landed again, ballast was thrown out and Mr Rees Davies was forced to get out to allow the balloon to succesfully rise. The balloon then rose, narrowly missed the sails of a windmill and ascended to a "great height". Eventually the balloon came down on the land described in the newspapers as "Mr Meggitt's Moors" between Crowle and Thorne but the grappling hooks failed to hold the balloon and the aeronaut was thrown out. The ballast was also dislodged and the balloon rose. The aeronaaut sustained back injuries, after being taken to the White Hart in Thorne to see a doctor he later travelled home to Sheffield. Later that day the balloon was found near Wincle, Macclesfield in a field owned by Edward Trafford Trafford Esq, of Swithamley Park. He organised the balloon's recovery and storage.

Pilot / Aeronaut - Mr C Brown (Probably Charles Henry Brown). Injured.