Making A Splash - Channel Swimming Exhibition at Dover Museum

One hundred and forty six years after Captain Matthew Webb made history by swimming the Channel on this day (24 August) in 1875, Dover Museum is celebrating the achievements of Channel swimmers through the decades with a new permanent exhibition.

The idea of swimming across the sea between England and France fascinated the Victorians who loved sporting prowess and feats of endurance.  The first serious attempts began in 1872.

This new exhibition looks at Channel swimmers from Captain Matthew Webb in 1875 right up to today and includes the heyday of Channel swimming in the 1950s when sponsored races were held.

For more information on the exhibition, please see the Dover Museum website, or for more information on Channel swimmers, please see the Dover Museum Channel Swimming Archive at www.channelswimmingdover.org.uk