Matthew Webb

Captain Matthew Webb, who lived from 19 January 1848 to 24 July 1883, was an English merchant seaman, swimmer and stuntman. He was born in Dawley, Shropshire, learned to swim in the River Severn as a child and went to sea at twelve. In 1875, on his second attempt, he swam the English Channel from Dover to Cap Gris-Nez in France, becoming the first person recorded as crossing without artificial aids. The feat made him famous, raised public donations of more than two thousand pounds and started a career as a professional swimmer and showman, with long river swims and a 128.5 hour float in Boston. He died in 1883 while trying to swim the rapids below Niagara Falls. He is credited with popularizing swimming in England.