Captain Matthew Webb | |
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Born | Dawley, Shropshire, England | 19 January 1848
Died | 24 July 1883 Niagara River, Niagara Falls | (aged 35)
Cause of death | Paralysis from water pressure swimming in the Niagara Rapids |
Burial place | Oakwood Cemetery (Niagara Falls, New York) |
Monuments | Monument to Captain Webb, Captain Webb Drive, Webb Crescent, Captain Webb Primary School |
Occupation(s) | Seaman, swimmer, stuntsman |
Years active | 1875-1883 |
Known for | Swimming the English Channel |
Spouse | Madeline Kate Chaddock (married 1880-1883) |
Children | 2 |
Parent(s) | Dr. Matthew Webb, Sarah Cartwright Webb |
Relatives | Edward Webb |
Awards | Stanhope Medal |
Captain Matthew Webb (19 January 1848 – 24 July 1883) was an English seaman, swimmer and stuntman. He is the first recorded person to swim the English Channel for sport without the use of artificial aids. In 1875, Webb swam from Dover to Calais in less than 22 hours. This made him a celebrity, and he performed many stunts in public. He died trying to swim the Niagara Gorge below Niagara Falls, a feat declared impossible.
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