Yorkshire Almanac Mr Robertson demonstrates his ultra-compact inflatable boat on the Aire at Leeds

23 January 1720: Mr Robertson demonstrates his ultra-compact inflatable boat on the Aire at Leeds

John Mayhall. 1860. The Annals and History of Leeds, and Other Places in the County of York. Leeds: Joseph Johnson. Get it:

Unedited excerpt

If an excerpt is used in the book, it will be shorter, edited and, where applicable, translated.

Mr. Robertson, in the presence of the magistrates of Leeds, and about 5,000 spectators, swam upon the river Aire in his leathern boat, which, before he inflated it with a pair of bellows, was so small and pliable, as to be folded up in a handkerchief, if not put into the pocket. Mr. Robertson was born in France, of Scotch parents.

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To facilitate reading, the spelling and punctuation of elderly excerpts have generally been modernised, and distracting excision scars concealed. My selections, translations, and editions are copyright.

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The Jubilee seems to have been celebrated on 20 June (Monday) and 21 June, but I have no idea what happened in Wold Newton and have assigned 20 in hope.

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