Rupert Webb 1922-2018

Photo reproduced with permission of The Argus

Sussex Cricket are very sad to learn of the death of our much loved former wicketkeeper Rupert Webb, on Monday 27 August, at the age of 96.

Rupert, who was born in Harrow, was the first choice gloveman for the county from 1948 to 1958. He made 256 first-class appearances - 255 of them for the club - taking 325 catches and 129 stumpings.

After his first class playing days ended Rupert showed his deep love of the game by carrying on playing for Seaford for many years and at the suggestion of his actress wife Barbara, took up a career in modelling and acting. He played the father of 'Duckface' in Four Weddings and a Funeral and was the face of several big companies during successful major marketing campaigns in the 1960s and 70s.

In more recent years, Rupert and Barbara have been regular visitors to The 1st Central County Ground and Rupert has been a staunch supporter of the Museum. Just last week, he signed his own collection of Wisden Cricketers’ Almanacks and presented them to the Museum. Many of our supporters will recall with much pleasure the fundraising events that Rupert organised at Rottingdean Church with other former Sussex players such as Ted Dexter, John Snow, John Spencer, Tony Buss and John Barclay, raising important funds shared between the Church and the Museum Trust.

Details of Rupert’s funeral will be announced on as soon as they are known to us.