The Stourbridge Observer, Cradley Heath, Halesowen & District Chronicle.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1875-09-04 00:00:00

CAPTAIN WEBB AT HOME.

On Saturday the town of Irenbridge mid its neigh-
bourhood were stirred up to a frenzy of excitement in
consequence of the return home of Captain Webb.
After some contradictory statements as to the birth-
place and residence of the gallant captain it may be
stated with certainty that he was born at Dawley, in
Shropshire, and his father, who is a surgeon, is now
and has for a long time past been residing at Iron-
bridge, about thirteen miles from Shrewsbury.- It was
for the purpose of paying-a visit to his father, his
family and friends that he came from London on
Saturday. As soon as it was known that the captain
was coming the people of Ironbridge bestirred themselves
and determined to give him something like a becoming
welcome. A large subscription was immediately raised
to defray the expenses of decorations, bands, and so
on. The consequence was that there was a grand show
of bunting, festoons of flags and streamers being drawn
across the streets in various parts; also large flags and
appropriate mottoes. One bore the words, 'Welcome
to the Champion Swimmer of the World." During the
greater part of the day cannons on the neighbouring hills
bellowed forth their welcome, and towards evening great
crowds of people had congregated in the streets and the
roads leading to the town. The captain was at first ex-
pected to arrive at four o'clock, but on Saturday morning
a telegram announced that he would travel via Welling-
ton and Coalbrookd ale, and could not reach home before
eight o'clock. The assembled crowds, however, were
doomed to suspense, as the hour of ten had struck when
the carriage and four greys heve into sight. The train
by which he travelled was twenty minutes late at
Wellington and there he was very much delayed by
the enthusiasm of the crowds who had collected to
have a look at him. The arrangements of the Iron-
bridge people was that the carriage from Wellington
should draw up at the turnpike gate at Coalbrookdale,
about a mile away, in order that the Captain might
receive an address, and then drive to his father's resi-
dence, which would take him entirely through the
town. On his arrival at the gate the flames of fifty
torches lighted up the place, and Mr. Burd, clerk to
the magistrates, standing on the step of the carriage,
read the following address :
" Dear Captain Webb,—As the Chairman of a meeting of
friends and neighbours of your family, held at the " Iron-
bridge 'last evening, the gratifying task devolves upon me of
presenting-you with an address of congratulation and wel-
come upon your safe return home after your successful ac-
complishment of a feat unparalleled and unapproached, it is
believed, in the annals of the world's history. When your
intended attempt to swim across the English Channel was
first mentioned it was looked upon by many as an absolute
Impossibility; but the result has proved that the satue
physical strength, pluck, and perseverance which raised
England to its proud pre-eminence in former times still
exist, and the inhabitants of Shropshire in general, and of
Ironbridge particular, are proud to think that all those
qualities are embodied in one who was born and reared in
their midst. To a man of your noble and unpretentious
character it would only be distasteful to be reminded of
your many acts of gallantry and courage ; but I hope
you will pardon me for assuring you Wit the great
deed for which you received at the hands of a
member of our Royal family the first Stanhope Gold
Medal is still cherished in our memories. I am only
speaking the sentiments of all who know and feel interested
in you when I venture to express a fervent hope that a
youth which has been ennobled by such signal acts of
bravery may he followed by a life devoted to the well-
being of your fellow-creatures, and to the praise and glory
of Film to whose mercies alone you are indebted for that
wonderful strength and marvellous power of endurance
which have enabled you to accomplish the tremendous task
which has rendered your name famous throughout the world.
I should not properly represent the feelings of those on
whose behalf I now address you if before closing I did not
take this opportunity of assuring all the members of your
family of the warm and heartfelt sympathy which has been
expressed for them during the last few weeks of anxiety,
and of the intense satisfaction which all now experience in
their present joy. Again offering you the sincerest congratula-
tions and a hearty welcome home, believe me to remain,
dear Captain Webb, yours very sincerely, GisoaGE BIJRD."
The captain made a very brief reply, and was driven
home amidst deafening acclamations.