Captain Matthew Webb first to swim the English Channel

Background. The English Channel is an arm of the Atlantic Ocean that separates Southern England from northern France. The word 'channel' was first recorded in Middle English in the 13th century, borrowed from the Old French 'chanel'. As one of the narrowest and best-known international waterways, the Channel became the first objective of numerous innovative sea, air, and human-powered crossing technologies. The sport of Channel swimming traces its origins to the latter part of the 19th century, when Webb made the first observed and unassisted swim across the Strait of Dover.

Preparation. Webb, who worked as a captain on various ships until 1875, sought financial backers for his Channel attempt in 1874. He trained daily at Lambeth Baths during the 1874 swimming season. In June 1875, he left his job as captain of the Emerald to focus exclusively on swimming. On 17 July 1875, he publicly announced his determination to attempt the feat in publications such as Bell's Life and Land and Water.

The Swim. Webb's successful crossing took place on 24–25 August 1875. He swam from Dover, England, to Cap Gris-Nez, France, completing the journey in 21 hours and 45 minutes. This was his second attempt at the Channel. The swim is considered the origin of the sport of Channel swimming, as it was the first observed and unassisted swim across the Strait of Dover.