Matthew Webb, a 27-year-old merchant navy captain, becomes the first known person to successfully swim the English Channel. Captain Webb accomplished the gruelling 21-mile crossing, which really entailed 39 miles of swimming because of tidal currents, in 21 hours and 45 minutes. During the overnight crossing from Dover, England, to Calais, France, Captain Webb drank … Continue reading August 25 1875 Captain Webb swims the English Channel
Tag: Calais
May 19 1588 Spanish Armada sets sail
On May 19 1588, a massive Spanish fleet, known as the "Invincible Armada," set sail from Lisbon on a mission to secure control of the English Channel and transport a Spanish invasion army to Britain from the Netherlands. In the late 1580s, Queen Elizabeth's support of the Dutch rebels in the Spanish Netherlands led King … Continue reading May 19 1588 Spanish Armada sets sail
Craig Hill 