1862: A Perilous Balloon Flight Sets a New Record

September 5, 1862

English meteorologists James Glaisher (1809-1903) and Henry Tracey Coxwell (1819-1900) set a new record in altitude for human flights when they soared in a balloon far above Stafford Road Gasworks in the then-borough of Wolverhampton, England. The intent of that flight was to examine what happened to water vapor as it rose into the atmosphere. 

This flight began in a fairly routine manner, but eventually just about everything started to go awry due to major oxygen deprivation. At 29,000 feet (8,800 meters), Glaisher began to experience problems seeing clearly. He soon lost the use of his arms and legs and slipped into unconsciousness. Coxwell grew numb from the cold that high up and was unable to use his hands. As the balloon continued to ascend, Coxwell was able to grab and tug its rip cord with his teeth to release hydrogen and the balloon started to slowly descend. Glaisher regained consciousness and both men ultimately landed back on the ground safe and sound. 

In its entirety, this flight lasted approximately two-and-a-half hours. It has been estimated that the balloon drifted as high as 37,000 feet (11,300 meters), or about seven miles (11 kilometers) – an unmatched record at that time. 

(The accompanying photo of Glaisher [left] and Coxwell [right] in a balloon was taken in 1864.)

Photo Credit: Public Domain

For more information on this balloon flight, please check out https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20160419-the-victorians-who-flew-as-high-as-jets