Are These The Earliest Ever Aerial Pics Of Britain? Amazing 130-Year-Old Images Revealed
SWNS: Leaving the Crystal Palace in the Monarch balloon, 1100ft
SWNS: Catford Bridge, 1900ft
A lot can happen in 130 years, as these fascinating aerial images of London in the 1880s prove.
Forget about drones and helicopters - these earliest-known aerial photos of Britain were taken more than 130 years ago from hot air balloons.
Snapped between 1882 and 1892, the 27 pictures reveal how parts of the capital have changed beyond all recognition.
They were taken by pioneer Cecil Victor Shadbolt, who repeatedly flew over London for ten years.
SWNS: Catford Bridge, 1960ft
SWNS: Cecil Victor Shadbolt, left, and William Dale, known as ‘Captain’, in a picture which appeared in The Photographic News, October 17th 1884.
The earliest photo is one of Stamford Hill in north London, taken on May 29 1882.
Shadbolt’s notes of the day record: “1st Ascent: 29th May 1882 (Whit Monday), Balloon ‘Reliance’ from Alexandra Palace.
"Started at 4pm. Descended at 5.30. Duration of voyage 1hr 30 mins. Distance travelled 14 miles. Miles per hour 9 1/3. Highest altitude 5,000ft.
"Place of descent Ilford. 5min walk from station. Remarks: Weather fine and bright, but clouds were high so did not get above them.
"At 5000 ft noticed that although we were in shadow the sun was shining on the earth below. Obtained very successful photograph of Stamford Hill district at altitude of 2000 ft and several others not so good.
"Came down in a field of green corn and experienced very rough treatment at the hands of the crowds who tore the balloon and Barker’s coat in addition.”
SWNS: Beckenham Junction, 1500ft
One uncaptioned historic photograph shows the construction of Crystal Palace and is the oldest known surviving photograph of the building.
Other views include Blackheath, Catford Bridge, Sutton, Beckenham Junction, Thornton Heath and Dartford.
There is also an 1884 photograph of Shadbolt and his pilot 'Captain’ Dale in his balloon on the ground with his camera clearly visible and attached to the basket.
The photographs end in 1892 when Shadbolt and Dale both died in a ballooning accident.
SWNS: All Saints Benhilton Church, Sutton, 800ft
The rare collection - which also includes an aerial shot of the Eiffel Tower - is being sold by Dominic Winter Auctioneers.
Photography specialist Chris Albury said: “These are a sensational set of images and incredibly important.
"All earlier attempts to take aerial photographs of UK have either been lost or have not survived.
"The earliest known surviving aerial photograph anywhere is of Boston, USA, taken in 1860, so it is somewhat surprising that no earlier ones than these of London or UK have so far surfaced and may be lurking in attics and archives unknowingly.
"The chap who is selling these bought a random collection of five boxes of magic lantern slides covering all sorts of mixed subjects and couldn’t believe his eyes when he found these in amongst them, and luckily all in good condition.”
He added: “We expect a fierce battle for this lot, which is estimated at £7,000-10,000.”
The auction takes place on October 15 in South Cerney, Gloucestershire.
[Pics: SWNS]
