In 1734, in the town of Derby, England,visiting entertainers, or 'Funambulists', performed feats of daring on a tightrope slung from the top of Derby Cathedral to St. Michaels Church. Often sliding down using a breast plate, cats and other animals were also used. In this instance, a record attempt was made with a Donkey, resulting in the rope snapping, over the crowd. Amazingly there were no fatalities. The incident is recorded in the local newspaper and is held on archive. Bizarre, I know.