Search swimsCurrently displaying: 1 result You've searched for:Decade: "1870s" xNationality: "England" xRatified: "Independent" x Field to search All fieldsSuccessful swim numberSuccessful swimmer numberSwim ranking (England-France)Swim ranking (France-England) Search term Sort by: OldestNewestSwimmerSuccessful swim numberSuccessful swimmer number Webb, Captain Matthew - 25/08/1875Description Temp 65°f. Porpoises sighted at 3:08 and 4:30. Mainly Breast stroke some side stroke. Start 26 strokes per min, after 1 hr 22 for 2 ½ hrs then a steady 20. Swimmer(s) Webb, Captain MatthewDate 25/08/1875Successful swim number 1Successful swimmer number 1Successful swim number England - France 1Duration of swim 21:45Pilot Capt George Toms, (Mate) John Dodd. Five crew - Bowles, Jell, Gates, Gates, Decent, and Stanley.Pilot boat Lugger Ann, two rowing boats. Notes START 12:56 pm. Tue, Aug 24; FINISH 10:41am. Aug 25; TIME 21h 45m E-F. Step at End of Admiralty Pier to Calais Sands. Recognized by C.S.A. 16-8-1928. Grease; Porpoise Grease. Neap tide, started on half ebb. Start; 3½ hrs before high water. Tide 15ft 10 inch. Food; Ale. Beef tea.Coffee.Brandy.Cod liver oil. Allotted Witnesses were; Mr. A. G. Payne and Mr. Harry F. Wilkinson, of the Ilex swimming club. Others on board; J. B. Jones, (Editor Dover Express) Mr Warman (Dover Chronicle) Mr Bell (Illustrated News) taking pictures. George Ward (cousin). At the start the sea was so calm that the sweeps had to be plied to keep the Lugger up with the swimmer. In the last two hrs large waves were breaking over the swimmer and Webb’s haggard face could occasionally be seen above the waves. The Porpoise grease was provided by the Athone Boot Company. His woolen costume weighed 10 lbs. A French Doctor thrust himself into the room uninvited, then sent a bill for 50 Francs. On Capt George Toms Tombstone is recorded the fact that he piloted Capt Webb when he swam the Channel. Webb presented him with a gold ring. Webb had already swam 21 miles, from Blackwall to Gravesend. And Dover to Ramsgate.Success/failure Successful (681)Direction(s) England-France (657)Number of crossings One Way Swim (644)Ratified Independent (34)