Matthew Webb

Captain Matthew Webb
Webb in The Illustrated London News, 1883
Born	(1848-01-19)19 January 1848 Dawley, Shropshire, England
Died	24 July 1883(1883-07-24) (aged 35) Niagara River, Niagara Falls
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.