Name/TitleFirst balloon flight across the English Channel in 1785
About this objectOn 7th January 1785, Frenchman Jean Pierre Blanchard and American John Jeffries set off from Dover in an attempt to fly across the English Channel in a hydrogen-filled balloon. They crossed the French coast after a flight of two hours during which they had to throw overboard everything movable in the balloon basket (including much of their clothing) to stay aloft. They landed in trees in the Foret de Felmores, near Guines, about 10 km inland from Calais. Thus ended the first manned oversea flight.
One of the many slides purchased from retailers or specifically made for illustrated lectures given by Isaac Selby between c. 1930 and c. 1955 to raise money for the Old Pioneers Memorial Fund.
This image is provided for research purposes and must not be reproduced without prior permission.For a high resolution copy of this image, contact Royal Historical Society of Victoria
Date Madec. 1785 (original image)
Date Made1930-1955 (slide)
Inscription and MarksIn image: "8. THE FIRST AERIAL CHANNEL CROSSING. / Blanchard and Jefferies leaving Dover Harbour for France on January 7th, 1785. They landed in the / Forest of Guines, near Calais."
PeriodTo 1834
Object TypeGlass slide
Subject and Association KeywordsBalloons
Subject and Association KeywordsNotable flights
Subject and Association KeywordsFamous aviators
Subject and Association KeywordsFrance
Medium and MaterialsGelatin silver print on glass
Named CollectionImages collection
Object numberGS-USM-04
Copyright LicenceAll rights reserved
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