3-017-048 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Mr. Coxwell's high-level balloon at the Crystal Palace, 1864. '...the new balloon, named "The Britannia"...has been constructed for the use of Mr. Coxwell and Mr. James Glaisher in their frequent ascents for the scientific purpose of exploring the upper regions of the atmosphere. The "High-Level Balloon"...was examined with much interest by numerous visitors to the Crystal Palace while lying half inflated on the floor of the western transept previously to its first ascent, which took place on the 11th June. The balloon on this occasion rose to a height of two miles, and, after remaining in the air for nearly two hours, was allowed to descend...near Rainham, in Essex. Eight passengers were in the car, including Mr. Coxwell, who then made his 507th aerial trip. The second ascent took place on Monday, the 13th, at seven o'clock. Mr. Glaisher and a party of officers in the Guards...accompanied Mr. Coxwell on this occasion. They did not, however, attain a greater elevation than 3500 ft., and, after crossing the Thames, as in the former trip, the balloon was lowered near Brentwood, in Essex...Its capabilities, therefore, have not yet been severely tested, but, with the exception of M. Nadar's "monster," it is the largest that has yet been made'. From "Illustrated London News", 1864.