George Pocock (inventor)

George Pocock (1774–1843) was an English schoolteacher, the founder of Tent Methodism[1] and an inventor, particularly known for having invented the 'Charvolant,' a kite-drawn carriage.

George was born in Hungerford in Berkshire in 1774, the son of John Pocock, a cabinet-maker in that town, and his wife, Mary.

Later the same year and continuing to use his family as subjects, he lifted his son to the top of a cliff outside Bristol; his son briefly dismounted from the chair at the top of the 200-foot (60 m) cliff and then concluded the test by releasing a clip on the kite line which allowed him to slide down the line in the chair and return to earth.

A group of three Charvolants made a trip of 113 miles (182 km) together, and on a run between Bristol and Marlborough one of the buggies sailed past the mail coach, which at the time was the fastest passenger transport.

He also used his book to advertise other of his inventions, including a celestial globe for viewing the stars that a teacher and pupils could stand inside.