Eustace and Oswald Short, two of the three Short brothers who would go on to revolutionise British aviation, began their ballooning experiments in Hove in 1898.
They launched their first coal gas balloon in 1901 from St Ann’s Well Pleasure Gardens, and continued flights from the site until 1903.
Councillor Amanda Grimshaw, Mayor of Brighton and Hove, unveiled the plaque during a ceremony in St Ann’s Well Gardens on Saturday, August 9.
Cllr Grimshaw said: “It’s a real honour to unveil this plaque today and celebrate the remarkable legacy of the Short brothers, who were true pioneers of aviation.
“Their daring spirit and innovation took flight right here in St Ann’s Well Gardens and helped lay the foundations for modern aeronautical engineering.
“This blue plaque not only commemorates their incredible achievements but also brings a vital piece of Hove’s history back into public view.”
The event was attended by members of the public, supporters of the park, and descendants of the Short family.
Pippa Smith, chair of the Friends of St Ann’s Well Gardens, said: “We are delighted to welcome so many people into the park today to celebrate the latest chapter in its diverse and wonderful history.
“Many people would never know about the Short brothers’ connection to the area and their pioneering aviation work without this blue plaque today.”
The commemoration also included live music and family activities, adding to the sense of occasion.
Keith Sharpe, chair of the Brighton and Hove Blue Plaque Panel, said: “Blue Plaques are like time machines in ceramic form.
“They connect us to the people and stories that shaped the city we live in. They celebrate our cultural heritage and they make our history visible.
“What the Short brothers did here in St Ann’s Well Gardens with their balloons led to great technological progress in aviation, which then played a significant part in the Allies’ victory in the Second World War. Their blue plaque is well deserved.”
The Short brothers went on to found the Short Brothers Aircraft Company, which played a crucial role in the development of British aviation.
Richard Vernon, who nominated the brothers for the blue plaque, said: “The Short Brothers Aircraft Company was one of the most significant in the history of British aviation.
“But before then, two of the three Short brothers began their aeronautical careers designing, building and flying coal gas balloons in Hove. This blue plaque commemorates their flying location in St Ann’s Well Gardens.”
Family members of the Short brothers also attended the event.
Liz Walker, their great-great-niece, said: “As the great-great niece of the Short brothers, pioneering balloon and aeronautical engineers and manufacturers, I am delighted their contribution to aviation is being recognised in Hove.
“The blue plaque being unveiled in St Ann’s Well Gardens marks an important site in the brothers’ early aviation career and will hopefully capture the imagination of a younger generation to keep the Short brothers’ achievements alive.
“Thank you to everyone who has had the vision to make this significant memorial possible.”
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