Home Site Map Back

Balloon Ascent

Vauxhall Gardens

Source: The Illustrated London News, June 29, 1850


Balloon Ascent from Vauxhall Gardens

Balloon Ascent at Vauxhall Gardens.

A grand fete was given at these Gardens on Saturday, when the most attractive scene was the ascent of the Nassau Balloon, with Mr. Green and Mr. Rush. Three of the members of the Nepaulese Embassy were present, to whom the balloon, when inflated, was an object of great interest, as was also the ascent. They examined the balloon with great minuteness, and its construction evidently excited their wonder and admiration. As it ascended they stood gazing at it with marked curiosity and attention, and remained on the spot until it was almost lost to view.

We have been favoured by Mr. Rush with the following account of the voyage.

The balloon having passed over a wood not far from St. Paul's Cray, in Kent, Mr. Green observed a favourable situation for descending, which he effected easily in a grass field near the residence of Lord Wynford, at twenty-six minutes after eight o'clock, the distance from Vauxhall being about twelve miles. The servants of his Lordship and the inhabitants of the neighbourhood afforded the aeronauts every assistance.

The altitude attained, according to the calculations of Mr. William Jones, of No. 4, Rupert-street, Haymarket, was as follows:—

Therm.
Deg.
Barom.
Inches
Feet
Upper Station
36
15.00
19,161
Lower Station
73
30.38
530



------------
Difference


18,631
Mean Temperature
54.5 Fahr.;
add
1,273



------------
Altitude


19,904





After Mr. Rush had made the above observations, the balloon continued rapidly ascending, and the barometer fell to 14.30 inches, showing an increased altitude of 1281 feet, making in the whole 21,185 feet, or four miles and 65 feet. It will be observed, the decrease of temperature was upon an average of a degree of the thermometer to 538 feet.