- Description: On August 24, 1875, Captain Matthew Webb plunged into the waters off Dover, England, and after 21 hours and 45 minutes, he landed at Cape Gris Nez, France, becoming the first person to swim across the English Channel. He died in 1882 in the waters below Niagara Falls
- Alias-Pseudonimo-Pseudonyme: -
- Nationality-Nazionalità-Nationalité: UK, Inglese, Anglais
- Birth/death-Nascita/morte-Naissance/mort: -
- Means of transport-Mezzo di trasporto-Moyen de transport: Swimming, A nuoto, A la nage
- Geographical description-Riferimento geografico-Référence géographique: English Channel, Stretto della manica, La Manche
- Internet: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matthew_Webb
- Wikidata: https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q964345
In 1873, Webb was serving as captain of the steamship Emerald when he read an account of the failed attempt by J. B. Johnson to swim the English Channel. He became inspired to try himself, and left his job to begin training, first at Lambeth Baths, then in the cold waters of the Thames, the English Channel and Hollingworth Lake.
