Richard Crosbie

Richard Crosbie (1755–1824) was the first Irishman to make a manned flight.[1][2] He flew in a hydrogen air balloon from Ranelagh, on Dublin's southside to Clontarf, on Dublin's northside on 19 January 1785 at the age of 30.[3] His aerial achievement[4] occurred just 14 months after the first-ever manned balloon flight by the Montgolfier Brothers in France and is commemorated by a memorial located at the site of this historic event & commissioned by Dublin City Council.[5]

Crosbie, who was six feet three inches, was from Crosbie Park, near Baltinglass, County Wicklow. He studied at Trinity College, Dublin. In December 1780, Richard married Charlotte Armstrong, daughter of Archibald Armstrong, with whom he had two children; Edward and Mary.[6] His brother, Sir Edward Crosbie, was executed for treason as a United Irishman on 5th June 1798.[7]

Crosbie launched several balloons containing animals before attempting the first human flight on Irish soil. One of which, containing a cat, was seen passing over the west coast of Scotland, before descending near the Isle of Man. The cat and the balloon were both rescued by a passing ship. The balloonists of the eighteenth century, pioneers in the first successful method of conquest of the air, were men of science comparable to the astronauts of the 1960s, attracting the same public excitement and receiving similar international publicity.

Property on Cumberland Street

Just 20 days or so after his famous January 1785 ascent from Ranelagh, Crosbie signed a Deed taking over the remainder of a 900 year lease from his father-in-law Archibald Armstrong, Esquire, of a property on the west side of Cumberland Street, Dublin[lower-alpha 1] (which Armstrong had been leasing from one John Trotter, Gentleman, since late February 1781).[lower-alpha 2] Sub-leases were very common at this time. The yearly rent was £30 (besides taxes) and it consisted of a house, coach house, stable and other appurtenances. Just three years later, on the 19th May 1788, Crosbie (described as 'Richard Crosbie formerly of the City of Dublin, now of Ballycumber in the Kings County, Esquire') assigned the house back to Archibald Armstrong for the remainder of the 900 years.[lower-alpha 3] The same house was subsequently re-assigned back to Crosbie on the 1st October 1790, including "several goods and articles of household furniture".[lower-alpha 4] It is not known why the house changed hands so often. From the memorial we can see that the house adjoining Crosbie's to the north was one in which Henry Luttrell, 2nd Earl of Carhampton had lately lived. At some point prior to May 1827, a fire broke out at Crosbie's home on Cumberland Street destroying a number of original deeds relating to the leases and documents concerning the house.[8] Prior to his death in 1824, Crosbie had arranged that the house be put into the name of his daughter Mary, which came to pass in a Deed of Assignment dated the 30th May 1827, with the "consent, approbation and acquiescence" of her brother Edward.[lower-alpha 5]

A memorial to commemorate Richard Crosbie, "The first Irishman to fly"
Crosbie statue in Ranelagh Gardens, Dublin

The statue, which was designed by leading Irish artist Rory Breslin, depicts Richard Crosbie's youthful curiosity[9] and many of the items displayed on the bronze reflect an airborne theme. The sculpture, which is adorned with various images, gives a sense of the showmanship, extravagance and ornamentation that was evident on the actual day in January 1785. It is designed to be a fitting commemoration to Richard Crosbie and his redoubtable curiosity and determination while also being a timeless piece of art in its own right.

On 19 January 1785 at 2.30 pm, Crosbie launched, from an exhibition area at Ranelagh Gardens his Grand Air Balloon and Flying Barge[10] in which he intended to cross the Irish Sea.

Late in 1784, Crosbie exhibited his "Aeronautic Chariot" at an exhibition at Ranelagh Gardens in Dublin. Made of wood covered with cloth, designed and built by himself, the Chariot resembled a boat, with rudder and sails, intended to enable navigation in the air, reducing reliance on wind direction. His first flight took place on 19 January 1785 at Ranelagh, witnessed by more than 35,000 people. The balloon and chariot were beautifully painted with the arms of Ireland supported by Minerva and Mercury, and with emblematic figures of the wind. Crosbie's aerial dress "consisted of a robe of oiled silk, lined with white fur, his waistcoat and breeches in one, of white satin quilted, and morocco boots, and a montero cap of leopard skin".[11]

Crosbie intended to cross the Irish Sea, but as darkness fell early in the winter evenings, he decided to land at Clontarf. He attempted a channel crossing on 19 July 1785, (defying a ban on balloon flights by the Lord Mayor of Dublin because the population of the city was spending long periods gaping at the sky instead of working), but came down halfway across due to a severe storm, and was rescued by the Dun Laoghaire barge Captain Walmitt, which was following his progress.

On Sunday, 28 September 2008 in Ranelagh Gardens, in conjunction with the Ranelagh Arts Festival, Councillor Mary Freehill (deputising on behalf of the Lord Mayor) unveiled a sculpture to commemorate Richard Crosbie, "the first Irishman to fly". The statue was unveiled by Councillor Mary Freehill assisted by Frank McNally of the Irish Times and Rose Doherty (mother of world snooker star, Ken Doherty). Speaking before the launch, Cllr Freehill spoke of her delight at being asked to unveil the statue " It is truly fitting that we should honour Richard Crosbie with a statue here in Ranelagh Gardens, where Ireland's first manned balloon flight took off. I hope that residents and visitors will take time out to come and view the statue”

Dublin City Council and the Department of the Environment, Heritage & Local Government's Per Cent for Art Scheme, funded the statue.

Notes
  1. Extract from Registry of Deeds memorial: 362-303-244837. Registered 04/02/1785. A Memorial of an Indented deed bearing date the Second Day of February one thousand Seven hundred and Eighty five Whereby Archibald Armstrong of the City of Dublin, Esquire, did for the Considerations in the said Deed mentioned did give grant, sell and assign unto Richard Crosbie of the same City, Esquire, a Lease made by John Trotter of the said City of Dublin, Gentleman, unto the said Archibald Armstrong of an (sic) House, Coach House, Stable and other appurtenances scituate (sic) in Cumberland Street in the County of the said City of Dublin for the Term of Nine hundred years at the yearly Rent of Thirty Pounds beside Taxes To hold to the said Richard Crosbie, his Executors and Administrators and Assigns for the remainder of the said Term and by which Deed also the said Archibald Armstrong did also give, grant, sell and make over unto the said Richard Crosbie the Several Goods, Wares and Effects mentioned and Contained in a Schedule to the said Deed annexed for the Considerations in the said Deed mentioned To hold to the said Richard Crosbie, his Executors and Administrators, to his and their own use which said Deed and Schedule are Signed and Sealed by the said Archibald Armstrong and Richard Crosbie. Witnessed by William Williamson and George Kennedy of the City of Dublin, Gentlemen, and this Memorial is signed by the said Richard Crosbie and Witnessed by the said William Williamson and George Kennedy.
  2. Extract from Registry of Deeds memorial: 339-048-226903. Registered 01/03/1781. A Memorial of an Indented Deed of Lease bearing Date the Twenty Seventh day of February one thousand Seven hundred and Eighty one By and Between John Trotter of the City of Dublin, Gent, of the one part and Archibald Armstrong on the said City, Esquire, of the other part. Whereby the said John Trotter did in Consideration of One hundred pounds and other considerations therein mentioned demise unto the said Archibald Armstrong All that and those the House Scituate (sic) in ye West Side of Cumberland Street bounded on the North by the House late in the possession of the Honble Leut. Coll. Henry Laws Lutterale (sic), on the South by a House now in the Possession of Alexander Cooke, Esquire, on ye West by the Stable, Coach house and Back yard. Together with the said Coach, Coach house and Stable Scituate at ye Rear of said House with the Appurtenances for the Term of Nine hundred years to ye said Archibald Armstrong, his Executors, Administrators and Assigns at ye yearly Rent of thirty Pounds payable half yearly above Taxes which Deed containing the Usual Clauses Between Landlord and Tenant is Witnessed by Richard Crosbie of the City of Dublin, Esquire, And William Williamson, Clerk to the said Archibald Armstrong And this Memorial is Witnessed by the said Richard Crosbie and William Williamson.
  3. Extract from Registry of Deeds memorial: 399-039-262788. Registered 26/05/1788. A Memorial of an Indented Deed of Assignment bearing date the Nineteenth day of May in the year of Our Lord One thousand Seven hundred and Eighty Eight Made between Richard Crosbie formerly of the City of Dublin Now of Ballycumber in the Kings County, Esquire, of the one part and Archibald Armstrong of the City of Dublin, Esquire, of the other part Whereby after Reciting as therein is Recited the said Richard Crosbie did for the Considerations therein Mentioned Sell and Assign unto the said Archibald Armstrong, his Executors, Administrators and Assigns the house Situated in the West Side of Cumberland Street in the said City of Dublin Bounded on the North by an house (sic) late in the possession of Lieutenant Colonel Henry Lawes Luttrell, On the South by an house then in the Possession of Alexander Cooke, Esquire, on the West by the Coach house, Stable and back yard, and on the East by Cumberland Street aforesaid together With the Coach house and Stable Situate at the Rere (sic) of said house With the Ways and appurtenances situate in Cumberland Street aforesaid in the Parish of St. Thomas in the County of the said City of Dublin together with the Lease thereof and the furniture and Effects Mentioned in a Certain Schedule Which house and Premisses (sic) had been Demised by John Trotter to the said Archibald Armstrong for the Term of Nine hundred years at the yearly Rent of Thirty Pounds And Which Deed is Witnessed by John Bird of the City of Dublin, Gentleman, and Patrick Smith, Servant to said Archibald Armstrong, and this Memorial is Witnessed by the said John Bird and Patrick Smith.
  4. Extract from Registry of Deeds memorial: 416-373-277402. Registered 02/10/1790. A Memorial of an Indented Deed of Sale and Assignment made the first Day of October one thousand Seven hundred and Ninety Between Archibald Armstrong of the City of Dublin, Esquire, of the one Part and Richard Crosbie of Ballycumber in the Kings County, Esquire, of the other part Whereby the said Archibald Armstrong did Sell and assigne (sic) unto the said Richard Crosbie for the Considerations therein mentioned Did grant and Assigne unto ye said Richard Crosbie All that and those a Lease made to said Archibald Armstrong of an house (sic) in Cumberland Street in the Parish of Saint Thomas in the County of the City of Dublin made to said Archibald Armstrong by John Trotter and dated twenty seventh February one thousand seven hundred and Eighty one and his Interest and Equity of Redemption therein and also all the several Goods and Articles of Household Furniture mentioned in a Schedule annexed to said Deed at the prices annexed to Each article and which said house was mortgaged to William Williamson which Deed is witnessed by John Ward of the City of Dublin, Gent, and Peter Smith of the same City, Yeoman, and this Memorial is Witnessed by the said John Ward and Peter Smith.
  5. Extract from Registry of Deeds memorial: 827-288-556424. Registered 31/08/1827. A Memorial of an Indented Deed of Assignment bearing date the Thirtieth day of May in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and Twenty seven and made Between Isaac Ryal of the City of Dublin, Esquire, Doctor of Medecine (sic) of the first part, Edward Crosbie Son of Richard Crosbie late of the City of Dublin, Esquire, deceased of the second part and Mary Crosbie of said City, Spinster of the third part, After Reciting among other things that by Indenture bearing date some time in the Month of April one thousand eight hundred and twenty four and made by and between said Richard Crosbie of the first part, said Mary Crosbie his said Daughter of the second part and said Isaac Ryan of the third part, after fully reciting the Original Lease of one thousand seven hundred and Eighty one and the Several mesne assignments recited in the Deed of which this is a Memorial, the said Richard Crosbie for and in Consideration of the sum of Two hundred pounds assigned and made Over unto the said Isaac Ryal the Dwelling house and premises with the appurtenances by said Original Lease demised and hereinafter particularly mentioned for the Residue of a Term of nine hundred years then to Come of the same Upon trust and to and for the sole use of the said Mary Crosbie, her Executors, Administrators and Assigns which said Indenture contained a Covenant that the said Mary Crosbie should permit and suffer the said Richard Crosbie her said father and Charlotte Crosbie her Mother to live in and enjoy the said house and premises for and during the term of their natural lives and reciting that a fire had then lately broken out in said dwelling house by which said Deed of April one thousand eight hundred and Twenty four among several Other Deeds and papers had been destroyed and that no parts thereof had been preserved save the Signatures and seals of the said parties to the same - and reciting the death of said Richard Crosbie and that the said Mary Crosbie had applied to the said Isaac Ryal to assign and make over to her the said Mary the said house and premises with the appurtenances so vested in him upon the Trusts aforesaid and that the said Edward Crosbie had proposed and agreed to join in said Indenture of which this is a memorial and execute the same for the purpose thereby of admitting and acknowledging the Contents of said Deed which was so destroyed as aforesaid and of Confirming and Establishing the same for the Benefit of the said Mary Crosbie, her Executors, Administrators and Assigns - said Indenture witnessed that the said Isaac Ryall (sic) in Consideration of ten shillings to him paid by said Mary Crosbie and by and with the Consent, approbation and acquiescence of the said Edward Crosbie testified by his being a party to and Executing said Indenture Granted, Bargained, Sold, Assigned, Transferred and made over, Released and Confirmed unto the said Mary Crosbie All That and Those the house situate on the west side of Cumberland Street in the County of the City of Dublin, bounded on the North by a house formerly in the possession of the Honble Lieutenant Colonel Henry Lawless Luttrell, on the South by a house formerly in the possession and occupation of Alexander Cooke, Esquire, and on the West by a Coach house, stable and Back yard to the same and on the East by Cumberland Street aforesaid Together with the Coach house and Stable at the rere (sic) of said house with the appurtenances to the said premises belonging or in any wise appertaining, all which said premises are situate Lying and being in Cumberland Street aforesaid in the parish of Saint Thomas and County of the City of Dublin. To Hold the same to the said Mary Crosbie, her Executors, Administrators and Assigns for and during all the rest, residue and Remainder of the said Term of nine hundred years yet to come and unexpired at and under the yearly rent of Thirty pounds Late Currency and the said Edward Crosbie did thereby ratify and Confirm the said recited Deed of April one thousand eight hundred and Twenty four and did thereby allow and admit the Contents thereof to be the same as therein and heretofore mentioned and did thereby relinquish any claim or demand which he, his Executors or Administrators might or could have to said house and premises by reason of said Deed not being forthcoming which said Deed as to the Execution thereof by the said Edward Crosbie and Isaac Ryall are respectively witnessed by William Davis, Michael J. Feagan and this Memorial as to the execution thereof by the said Edward Crosbie is witnessed by the said Michael J. Feagan and Frances Magarry both of the City of Dublin.

See also

References
  1. McMahon, Brian (31 July 2010). Ascend or Die: Richard Crosbie, Pioneer of Balloon Flight. ASIN 1845889851.
  2. Irish Ballooning Association (2012). "Ireland's First Aeronaut".
  3. Library Ireland. "Biography: Richard Crosbie".
  4. Rice, Eoghan (17 December 2006). "First Irishman to take to the skies to be honoured". The Sunday Tribune, Dublin.
  5. Commemorative Sculpture of Richard Crosbie, Dublin
  6. The Peerage (2019). "Person Page".
  7. The Peerage (2019). "Person Page".
  8. Extract from Registry of Deeds memorial: 827-288-556424. Registered 31/08/1827. "...and reciting that a fire had then lately broken out in said dwelling house by which said Deed of April one thousand eight hundred and Twenty four among several Other Deeds and papers had been destroyed and that no parts thereof had been preserved save the Signatures and seals of the said parties to the same..."
  10. "'A most ingenious mechanic':Ireland's first airman". 5 March 2013.
  11. Extract from the old Limerick City Journal
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