Incredible images of a balloonist’s lucky escape in an accident in Dundee in 1895 have emerged from a trawl through Courier archives.
Kerrin Evans, an assistant at Dundee Central Library, has unearthed the remarkable tale of Captain Bidmead, who visited Dundee as part of a carnival 120 years ago.
After finding a glass plate negative of a balloonist, Kerrin was detemined to learn more and found the answers in the Courier and Argus of September 5 1895.
The Courier reported how “daring aeronaut” Captain Bidmead was watched by thousands as he began his stunt in West Craigie Park.
Unfortunately, a high wind blew out the gas burner and sent him crashing into buildings in Maryfield.
However, his “awkward” ordeal was not over.Click here to read the full 1895 reportAs he clung to the balloon ropes, the craft began to rise again and cleared rooftops before again falling to earth and dumping the captain in a turnip field on the other side of Baxter Park.
He told a Courier reporter at the scene he was rather stunned but, on recovering himself, he found he was no worse for wear.
When he emerged to greet the crowd, he was raised on men’s shoulders and was cheered liked a hero.
And the balloon?
The old newspaper says it was caught in the wind and last seen floating towards Broughty Ferry.
Kerrin said: “I was intrigued to find an image of a balloonist while digitising old glass negatives and decided to dig a little deeper.
“It’s an amazing story and I really enjoyed reading about it.”See more on Dundee libraries’ research services by clicking here.