A new exhibition celebrates more than a century of cross Channel swimming

Captain Webb was the first to successfully cross the English Channel unaided in 1875 Credit: Dover Museum archive

A new exhibition has opened at Dover Museum to celebrate swimmers who have attempted to cross the English Channel.

The idea of swimming across the sea between England and France began with the Victorians who were fascinated by sporting prowess and feats of endurance. 

The first serious attempts began in 1872 and the first successful unaided swim across was made by Captain Matthew Webb in 1875.

Captain Webb took 21 hours and 40 minutes to become the first unaided Channel swimmer Credit: Dover Museum

Channel swimming enjoyed its heyday in the 1950s when sponsored races were held, attracting large crowds to the beaches of Dover and St Margarets Bay.

As today, swimmers receive food and drinks via a pole from the guide boat Credit: Dover Museum

Cross Channel Record Breakers

  • Fastest solo swim : 6 hours and 55 minutes

  • Longest solo swim : 28 hours and 44 minutes

  • Youngest swimmer : 11 years 336 days

  • Oldest swimmer : 73 years and 177 days

Hundreds attempt the swim every year - but only around 1 in 5 will complete it, making it a challenge worth celebrating.