William Frederick Webb

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William Frederick Webb (March 1829 in Sussex – 1899 in Africa) was one of four children born to Frederick Webb and Mary Shiel. He was educated at Eton and later joined the army. During his time in the army, he became a Captain in the 17th Lancers. Upon the death of his father in 1847, Webb inherited estates in Yorkshire, Lincolnshire and County Durham, making him very wealthy.

Webb continued to make a considerable profit from his properties and land. In 1861, Mr and Mrs Web purchased Newstead Abbey in Ravenshead, Nottingham from Colonel Wildman. They outbid Queen Victoria to acquire Newstead Abbey. He moved his family into the Abbey, which is famous for being the former home of the poet Lord Byron and set about improving Newstead. Mr Webb installed central heating and gas lighting and also redecorated the old chapel. Mrs Webb also contributed by filling the house with Byron memorabilia and entertaining guests from all over the world.

Mr Webb spent much time in Africa with his good friends Captain Codrington and famous explorer Dr Livingstone, hunting big game. His 'treasures' can be seen in Newstead today; the tusks, skins and heads of the animals he caught while in Africa. Dr Livingstone was not only a great friend of William Webb, but also a friend of the whole family, as he made regular trips to Newstead, sometimes for as long as eight months.

Willaim Webb was also a magistrate and in 1865 became High Sheriff of Nottingham.

In 1889, Mrs Webb became ill with tuberculosis and journeyed to Africa in October that year, in hope that the warm climate would help her recovery. However, on December 28, 1889, Emila Jane Webb died, aged 63. She was buried in Cape Town, South Africa.

Ten years later, in 1899, Mr Webb contracted laryngitis while in Africa. He died from it and is buried at Luxor in Egypt.

When Webb died, Newstead Abbey was passed through each of his surviving children until Mr Webbs grandson Charles Ian Webb sold it to Sir Julien Cahn, who then gave it to Nottingham City Council in 1931.