Matthew Webb
English steamship captain and Channel swimmer (1848-1883) · Athletes · Died at 35
Captain Matthew Webb was an English seaman, swimmer and stuntman who became the first person to swim the English Channel without the use of artificial aids. Webb increased the popularity of swimming in England.
Matthew Webb is read about 116 times a day, in 19 languages.
A typical day, 30 days to 6 November 2026
The middle day of the days counted, so one week of news cannot move it. The line under it is the last 102 days, one point a day.
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Photos 12
HMS Conway training ship at Rock Ferry
Stanhope Medal
Portrait of Paul Boyton in his survival suit, on the front of a cigarette packet
Map showing the routes of Webb's two channel attempts![Admiralty Pier, Dover, pictured between 1890 and 1900[55]](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b0/Admiralty_Pier_Dover_England.jpg/500px-Admiralty_Pier_Dover_England.jpg)
Admiralty Pier, Dover, pictured between 1890 and 1900[55]
Boat crew feeding Webb hot coffee
View from Cap Griz Nez, facing EnglandAbout this person
Category
Athletes
Type
Athlete
Status
Deceased
Dates
Lived 1848 to 1883 · aged 35
