The first person to cycle the globe on a penny-farthing

In 1886, Thomas Stevens became the first person to travel across the globe on a penny-farthing bicycle. It was an astounding achievement.

He published the story of his travels in the book Around the World on a Bicycle, the publication of which may have made him an early pioneer of a very modern form of adventure.

Producer & presenter: Sam Hartford

Animator: Muriel Rebora

Commissioning Editor: Griesham Taan

9 November 2023