Celebrating the English Channel crossings

The White Horse, Dover

Capt Matthew Webb statue at Dover seafront

If people think about Dover, they most likely think of the ferry crossing, Dover castle or maybe one of the enormous Cruise liners that dock. But, some may think of the English Channel crossings that over 1245 people swimmers have made.

The aptly named Captain Matthew Webb became the first to make the crossing in 1875, starting from Admiralty Pier in Dover, and taking 21 hours and 45 mins. A statue on Dover seafront commemorates this major achievement.

Just up the road from Dover, the first woman Gertrude Ederle crossed the channel from Cape Griz Nez in France, landing on my very own Kingsdown beach: she beat the distance by her male predecessors taking 14 hours and 39 minutes in August 1926. Today 1245 individuals have successfully taken on the Channel   If you are as in awe of the people who make this crossing (which is 22.5 straight miles but much longer if the current and weather is against you) from Dover to France or vica cersa, but would like to know a little about who they are, where they came from and how long it took, then pop into the White Horse pub hidden in a corner of Dover. The writing is literally on the wall (and ceiling) as this pub proudly displays the names, dates, crossing distances and nationalities of some of those fearless, determined swimmers who have conquered this dark expanse. Each tells its own story. 


The swimmers are often supported by the Channel Swimming Association which can be clearly recognised by its mermaid and merman icon, as seen on the walls of the White Horse.

To have a quick peek of what the White Horse looks like, check out this clip on YouTube of the re-opening on 5 March 2010. Re-opening of the White Horse

Thinking of taking the swim? there is loads of information on the Channel Swimming Association website. And bon voyage if you do!