Captain Matthew Webb

The text on the sign reads: Boat used by Captain Webb in testing the currents of the English channel, Exhibited by Webb memorial committee.

Captain Webb Memorial Dover

Unveiling Ceremony 1910

The memorial to Captain Webb in its original position on Clarence Lawn in front of the Burlington Hotel.

The plaque beneath reads: CAPT MATTHEW WEBB BORN DAWLEY 1848 DIED NIAGARA 1883 SWAM FROM DOVER TO CALAIS AUGUST 24/25 1875 ERECTED BY PUBLIC SUBSCRIPTION 1910.

The artist responsible for the bust was a Mr M.D. Janes. He submitted a model of the bust to the Webb Memorial Trust, headed by Mr Alfred Jonas, a member of the Channel Swimming Association. The cost is unknown, but was paid for by public subscriptions, as inscribed on the bronze plaque. The trust fund had some very wealthy patrons, including the Earl of Longsdale, Lord Desborough and Viscount Hill.