Subject

Balloonist and politician. Born London to a wealthy Bengal civil servant. Financed the 1836 balloon voyage from Vauxhall Gardens to Weilburg in Germany, on which he was a passenger. This set a record not beaten until 1907. 1837 elected to Parliament where over 15 years he made one speech (about ballooning). 1840 married Ellen - see there for more details. Died Paris. Buried at Great Stanmore old church in the family mausoleum that he had built.