On 25 August 1875, Captain Matthew Webb became the first person to swim the English Channel unaided, after almost 22 hours in the water. 150 years on, we celebrate his bravery, courage, and determination. Visit the Different Strokes exhibition at the Coalbrookdale Gallery to see Webb’s personal belongings and find out more. | The Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust

Today we recognise the 150th anniversary of the historic swim across the English Channel by Captain Matthew Webb who came from Dawley. Aged 27, Matthew Webb became the first person to successfully swim the English Channel unaided and achieved the challenge in 21 hours and 45 minutes and the 21-mile crossing actually involved Webb swimming 39 miles due to tidal currents. We were delighted to include the Captain Matthew Webb carnival piece in our Carnival Parade yesterday (Sunday 24 August) and sh