Matthew Webb

1848–1883 (age 35)

Swimmer

Biography

Matthew Webb earned international fame as the first person to swim the English Channel without the aid of artificial propulsion in 1875, demonstrating remarkable endurance and inspiring future open-water swimmers. He remained drawn to the challenge of distant waters, always seeking to push the boundaries of human capability.

While his life ended during a rescue attempt at Niagara Falls in 1883, he rests in Oakwood Cemetery, leaving a legacy of courage and adventurous spirit.