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Balloon with parachute, tragic accident of Mr Cocking
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Balloon with parachute, tragic accident of Mr Cocking
The Royal Vauxhall Nassau Balloon with Mr Cockings Parachute attached as they ascended from the Royal Gardens, Vauxhall. At the bottom are two sketches of the release hook.
24 July 1837
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Media ID 7475047
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10610250
1830s 1837 Accident Ascended Attached Ballooning Bottom Cocking Hook Nassau Parachute Release Sketches Striped Stripes Tragedy Tragic Vauxhall
EDITORS COMMENTS
250 Word. This evocative image captures the tragic moment during the early Victorian era when ballooning, a popular form of transportation and entertainment, took a devastating turn. The photograph depicts the strikingly colorful Royal Vauxhall Nassau Balloon, ascending from the picturesque Royal Gardens in Vauxhall on the fateful day of July 24, 1837. Mr. Cocking, the skilled balloonist, is seen attached to the balloon with his parachute, a safety measure intended to ensure a safe descent should the balloon encounter any issues during the flight. Unfortunately, this day would prove to be a tragic one. As the balloon rose higher into the sky, an unforeseen accident occurred. The exact cause remains unclear, but it is believed that the release hook, essential for detaching the parachute from the balloon, failed to function correctly. With no means of safely descending, Mr. Cocking and his passenger plummeted to the ground, resulting in a fatal outcome. The bottom of the photograph features two sketches of the release hook, providing a closer look at the crucial component that malfunctioned during the flight. This poignant reminder of the risks associated with early aviation serves as a testament to the bravery and determination of balloonists during the 1830s, who pushed the boundaries of human flight despite the inherent dangers. This historical photograph, preserved by The Royal Aeronautical Society (National Aerospace Library) and available through Mary Evans Prints Online, offers a glimpse into the past, showcasing the intersection of innovation, adventure, and tragedy in the early days of air travel.
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