Shrewsbury flying sites
Note: This map only shows the position of Shrewsbury town within the UK.
SHREWSBURY see also ALBRIGHT HUSSEY MANOR HOTEL
SHREWSBURY see also MIDDLETON FARM
SHREWSBURY see also MONKSMOOR
SHREWSBURY see also ROBERTSFORD
SHREWSBURY see also SUNDORNE FARM
SHREWSBURY see also THE QUARRY
SHREWSBURY: Balloon ascent site (see also THE QUARRY)
Operated by: Charles Green
Location: The gas works yard
Period of operation: 23rd August and 24th September 1824
NOTES: It seems well worth mentioning that the balloon, “together with it’s car and appendages”, was open for viewing during the inflation process from August 16th . These balloon ascents really were major civic events and big money spinners too. Such was the success of the launch and ascent, (Green landed at Skimblescott about 10nm SE of Shrewsbury), he was invited back to display during Race Week in September.
On this occasion the inflated balloon was ‘walked’ over the wall into the garden belonging to Mr Kirkham for display before launching.
Thinking back to my one and only hot-air balloon flight, I know about this. Just prior to landing in a four person balloon, being a just tad on the sturdy side I was invited to jump out and walk the balloon across a fairly minor road, to it’s eventual landing and deflation site adjacent to a crossroads. It was still early in the morning and I can clearly recall the expressions of utter bewilderment as an elderly gentleman and his wife rounded the corner in their car to see me casually taking my balloon, complete with three occupants, for a stroll.
OTHER BALLOON OPERATORS
If Mr Green and his family were highly professional in the ‘balloon business’ there were others somewhat less adept ‘on the circuit’. Like Mr & Mrs Graham for example, some of their exploits would seem to rate highly in comedy but somewhat less so in aeronautical ability.
On the 6th October 1838 Margaret Graham did achieve her aim of making a successful balloon ascent at Shrewsbury becoming “The Only English female Aeronaut”. She carried a passenger too, Thomas Bertenshaw of Shrewsbury, “an anxious aspirant for aeronautic fame”. I just love their very precise use of language in those days.
SHREWSBURY: Airship demonstration
NOTES: It seems that the ‘Spencer’ airship was displayed here in 1902. See CRYSTAL PALACE (LONDON) for more details
SHREWSBURY: Private airstrip?
Operated by: Mr Eric G Hayes?
Location: ?
Period of operation: 1928 to 1929 only?
NOTES: Records appear to show that Mr Hayes operated the Avro 594 Avian G-EBYA from Shrewsbury.
We'd love to hear from you, so please scroll down to leave a comment!
Leave a comment ...
Copyright (c) UK Airfield Guide
