Leicester balloon riot

The Leicester balloon riot occurred on 11 July 1864 in Victoria Park, Leicester, during a public demonstration of a new hydrogen balloon by the aeronaut Henry Tracey Coxwell. An estimated 50,000 spectators were present for the event.

Disorder broke out amid rumours that the balloon on display was neither the largest nor the newest in Coxwell's fleet, contrary to prior claims. Tensions escalated further following allegations that a woman in the crowd had been struck by a police officer. The balloon was damaged during the disturbance, prompting Coxwell to deliberately collapse the gas envelope before fleeing the scene under attack.

The balloon was subsequently destroyed by the crowd; the envelope was torn apart, and the basket was set alight. The incident resulted in significant financial loss for Coxwell, who was forced to construct a replacement. It also hindered progress in the field of scientific high-altitude ballooning.

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