Webb was born on 19 January 1848 in Dawley, Shropshire. He was one of 13 children of the surgeon Dr Matthew Webb. In 1849, when Webb was 14 months old, his family moved to See more

In mid-1872, Webb read an account of the failed attempt by J. B. Johnson to swim the English Channel, and became inspired to try.
Channel training See more

After his record swim, Webb received recognition internationally and pursued a career as a professional swimmer.
He began lecturing … See more

Webb wanted to inspire more people to learn to swim, and The New York Times said he had had a positive impact by inspiring the country … See more

• List of members of the International Swimming Hall of Fame
• List of successful English Channel swimmers
• Gertrude Ederle – First woman to swim the English Channel See more

In 1860, at twelve years old, Webb began training for the Merchant Navy aboard the HMS Conway training ship. Initially homesick and … See more

In 1882, Webb announced his intent to swim through the Whirlpool Rapids below Niagara Falls. In June 1883, he and his family returned to America. Fred Beckwith and Watson tried to dissuade him, with Watson later saying:
As we stood face to … See more