2-798-649 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Ascent of Mr Green's Balloon, 1845. 'On Monday evening, Mr. [Charles] Green made a very beautiful ascent in his monster Nassau Balloon, from the grounds of Cremorne House, Chelsea [in London], which were crowded with company to witness the spectacle. There was on the occasion of this ascent some novelty to attract the spectators and to amuse them. In addition to Mr. Green...there was amongst the "intrepid aeronauts" the celebrated Mr. Thomas Matthews, the Clown of Drury Lane Theatre, who immediately before the ascent favoured his companions in the car, and the thousands of persons who surrounded it, with the favourite ballad of "Hot Codlins". Mr. Matthews was equipped in full theatrical costume; the rest of the party in clothes more appropriate for an aerial trip'. From "Illustrated London News", 1845, Vol VII.