Hiram Maxim and Sir Hiram Maxim's Captive Flying Machine blue plaque

This blue commemorative plaque records: Sir Hiram Maxim's Flying Machine. Opened in August 1904, Sir Hiram Maxim's Flying Machine is the only surviving captive flying machine ride in the world and is Pleasure Beach's oldest ride. A steel pole, 62 feet high, supports 10 arms from which hang carriages, creating an illusion of flying. Designed by Sir Hiram Maxim to raise money for his attempts to be the first man to fly the measured mile. Recorded plaque organisation: Blackpool Civic Trust.

Sir Hiram Maxim was an American-born inventor and engineer who moved to England; he is best remembered for inventing the first automatic machine gun, though his Captive Flying Machine at Pleasure Beach, Blackpool, stands as a unique example of his contributions to early aviation experimentation.