A LEGENDARY 19th century tightrope walk over The Lake at Blenheim Palace is to be recreated as part of a special high-wire weekend.

In 1886 renowned tightrope artist Carlos Trower amazed onlookers as he undertook a gravity-defying crossing of the lake on a single wire.

Trower escaped from slavery in the United States at the age of 11 and travelled to Britain where he joined a circus. He quickly established himself as a world-class performer - often walking blindfold and in shackles across the high wire.

His daredevil crossing over the Queen Pool of The Lake will be reenacted on the weekend of Saturday, August 11 and Sunday, August 12, by ropewalker Christopher Bullzini, more than 130 years later.

Mr Bullzini will try to recreate the original performance, suspended 30 metres above the water.

As Mr Bullzini attempts the 320-metre crossing, one of the longest undertaken in the UK, Carlos Trower’s fascinating life story will be narrated to visitors.

Mr Bullzini said: “I am very much looking forward to recreating the famous high-wire act at Blenheim Palace and we are busy working out our rigging plan over the next few weeks.

“Carlos was a truly exceptional person and the prospect of, almost literally, being able to walk in his footsteps more than a century later is quite amazing.

“Our aim is to make our crossing as authentic as possible and to celebrate Carlos’ amazing achievements.

“Even today it will be a real challenge and I hope I can live up to his reputation.”

As well as the daring tightrope acts visitors will also be entertained by music from the Bletchingdon and Oxfordshire Cherwell Brass Bands, Victorian strong man acrobats, jugglers, stilt walkers, a penny farthing rider and a selection of Victorian fairgrounds rides.

High-wire displays will take place at midday and 3pm each day. Each high-wire show will last approximately 20 to 30 minutes.

The lake was created between 1768 and 1771 by Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown and a £5m project is being planned to restore it as its condition has declined over the past decade. It is classified as a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

A park and gardens ticket or annual pass is needed to attend the tightrope walk. Visit blenheimpalace.com