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Information About

William Frederick Webb





OVERVIEW


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.

William 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 .


FAMILY

On July 15 , 1857 , he married Emilia Jane Mills Goodlake, who was also came from a wealthy background. Together they had six children:
  • Augusta Z. Webb (1859)

  • Geraldine Webb (1860)

  • Ethel Mary Webb (1863)

  • Mabel C. Webb (1864)

  • Algernon F. Webb (1866)

  • Roderick B. Webb (1867).



EXTERNAL LINKS

  • [http://www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/newstead/default.asp Newstead Abbey]

  • [http://www.theheritagetrail.co.uk/manor%20houses/newstead%20abbey.htm Newstead Abbey information]

  • Tourist information on Newstead Abbey