Lily Cove
Daring Parachutist from 1906
Lily apparently died in a tragic parachuting accident in 1906.
She was a wonderful young woman who made a name for herself by being a daredevil parachutist in the days before aeroplanes were invented. She used to travel the country with Captain Bidmead and his amazing hot air balloon and would take off into the air in a harness strapped below the balloon.
She was a happy go lucky twenty year old from London who realised that she would have exciting adventures far from the big city if she followed the intrepid Captain Bidmead.
She loved the company of young men and was seen on occasion to join them after a hard days work of some light refreshment.
She was fearless and wore outrageous clothes for her time being seen in bloomers or frilly long knickers which she wore under her skirt which she discarded just before she took off into the air. When the Balloon reached 1,000 feet or so she would pull a lever and detach herself from the balloon, descending gracefully but quite quickly to the ground.
People would come from far and near to see her exploits and usually she would be carried shoulder high back to her quarters by a cheering crowd. Her exploits we were so
daring that questions were asked in Parliament. Should a young lady be allowed to do something so dangerous? Surely a law ought to be passed to prevent it?.
Published By:JocknDoris
8 Button Bridge, Kinlet, Bewdley, Worcs, DY12 3DH, England
Tel: 01299 841640 Fax: 01905 507571 email: neil@jockndoris.co.uk
