Wilfred Mark Webb

Born in 1868, Wilfred Mark Webb was a British writer, editor, and naturalist whose interests ranged across field biology, collecting, and popular science. Sources connected with his books and scientific work identify him as a Fellow of the Linnean Society, and the title page of The Heritage of Dress describes him as curator of Eton College Museum.

Webb wrote on both natural history and cultural history. His best-known books include The Heritage of Dress (1907), a readable study of how clothing developed over time, and The British Woodlice, written with Charles Sillem. He also appeared in scientific and specialist circles as an editor, including work linked to the Journal of Malacology.

That mix of museum work, scientific interests, and clear explanation gives his writing its character. Even when he tackled big subjects, he wrote for curious general readers rather than specialists alone, which helps explain why some of his books remain available through major public-domain libraries.