During an aerial voyage in September of 1784, a pioneering hot air balloon expedition encountered an unforeseen challenge involving its unlikely animal crew. Vincenzo Lunardi, an Italian aviator, embarked from central London in a hydrogen-filled balloon, accompanied by a dog, a pigeon, and, notably, a cat. The journey, initially planned northward, was interrupted when the feline companion succumbed to motion sickness. This unexpected turn of events necessitated an unscheduled stop, leading to the cat's early departure into the care of a local woman.

Following this brief interlude, Lunardi resumed his flight, continuing his trajectory north-northeast until he ultimately landed near Standon Green End. This unique incident, marking one of the earliest documented hot air balloon flights in England, is subtly commemorated by a historical marker known as 'Balloon Corner'. The pioneering nature of this journey, coupled with the amusing anecdote of the airborne cat, secured Lunardi's place in the annals of early aviation. The balloon itself was later exhibited in London's Pantheon, symbolizing a public fascination with this nascent form of travel and an attempt to offset the expedition's costs.

This historical episode serves as a charming reminder of the early days of aviation, where the marvel of flight was often intertwined with human ingenuity and occasional, unexpected animal dramas. It underscores the spirit of adventure and scientific curiosity that propelled individuals like Lunardi to explore the skies, paving the way for future aerial advancements. The simple stone at Balloon Corner, though easily overlooked, invites contemplation on the courage and pioneering spirit of those who first dared to ascend, reminding us that every grand endeavor, no matter how ambitious, has its humble, sometimes humorous, beginnings.