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24.08.

1875: Matthew Webb: First Recorded Person to Swim the English Channel

1875: Matthew Webb: First Recorded Person to Swim the English Channel
Photo Credit To Wikipedia Commons

Story Highlights

  • Historical event:
  • 24 August 1875
  • Allegedly, Matthew Webb had to cross 64 kilometers due to the strong currents. He also had to deal with jellyfish.

On this day in 1875, Matthew Webb (born at Dawley in Shropshire, England) began his “expedition”, and became known as the first person to swim the English Channel.



It took him less than 22 hours (21 hours and 45 minutes) to swim the mentioned channel. On this day, he began his swim by diving in from the Admiralty Pier at Dover, England. He was accompanied by three boats, and used the breaststroke.

Of course, it was not an easy thing to swim the English Channel. Matthew Webb allegedly had to cross 64 kilometers due to the strong currents. He also had to deal with jellyfish.

Matthew landed near the French town of Calais. He became known as the first man to swim the English Channel.

Eight years after that, Matthew died near Niagara Falls, aged 35.




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