I am told that one of aviation's pioneers was born in Sheffield, possibly Darnall / Tinsley area. Does anyone have any idea who this was, and where I can find more information?

It wasn't Amy Johnson - she was born in Hull, but studied at Sheffield University.

I have a feeling it may have been a coachman who piloted the first "manned" flight somewhere near Scarborough 150 years ago (50 years before the Wright Brothers).

Does anyone know different? Or where I might find information to support the coachman theory?

Thanks.

Originally posted by MrHelicopter
I have a feeling it may have been a coachman who piloted the first "manned" flight somewhere near Scarborough 150 years ago (50 years before the Wright Brothers).


The coachman was called John Appleby, if that helps.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/3047164.stm

Many thanks!

But was he from Darnall? Perhaps it will be one of those permanent mysteries!

Yes, the coachmans name was John Appleby, he worked for Sir George Cayley who made a working glider 150 years ago. Cayley,s residence was in the village of Brompton by Sawden just 10 miles outside Scarborough. Cayley got Appleby to test his glider, he was so frightened when it left the ground he promptly gave his notice. This event was commemorated this year when Sir Richard Branson flew a replica of the glider at Brompton.
Cayley is now recognized as the father of aviation.

I think the man you may be thinking of was John Stringfellow. He lived in Attercliffe and designed a steam powered aeroplane.
The link below tells the story but calls him Springfellow, a typo I think.







http://www.ba-education.demon.co.uk/for/science/flight2.html