The 5th and 6th September will mark the 100th anniversary of the second successful Channel swim. Thomas William Burgess tried many times to conquer the Channel and finally succeeded in 1911 at the age of 39. This was 36 years after Webb's triumph and at a time when it was thought that the feat would never be repeated.
Now a book has been written about Burgess by Sue Wood, who is related to the Burgess family, to commemorate this historic event. The book tells the story of his early life, his move to France, his Olympic participation, his many attempts on the Channel, his eventual success and the national acclaim he received. It also relates the difficulties any swimmer encounters on facing this daunting task and how he became an expert on the Channel, training many other swimmers - including Gertrude Ederle, the first woman to make the crossing.
The book is now available at the Dover Museum and Bronze Age Boat Gallery shop.
