Jean-Pierre Blanchard

In this episode, host Charlie Connelly discusses the life of French inventor and balloon flight pioneer Jean-Pierre Blanchard. He always believed he was destined for greatness, developing a keen interest in engineering and physics at an early age with serious ambitions to be an inventor. In 1785, Blanchard, along with American Dr John Jeffries, became the first person to cross the channel by air. It was a historic achievement that became a key moment in British relations with the rest of Europe as suddenly the continent seemed closer than ever before. Enjoyed this episode? Let us know by tweeting @TheNewEuropean.