Obituary: Mr. W. R. Wake (Registrar of the Sheffield County Court)

The sudden death of Mr. W. R. Wake on Saturday morning has come as a shock to many in Sheffield. After becoming unwell just two days earlier, Mr. Wake passed away at 1:15 a.m. on Saturday, at his home in Norwood Rise. He was only 43 years old.

Mr. Wake had been at work at the Sheffield County Court as recently as Wednesday morning, but had to leave early due to illness, which was initially believed to be influenza. Sadly, his condition rapidly worsened, developing into pneumonia. Despite the care of his doctor, Mr. Richard Favell, he declined quickly and could not be saved.

Born into a well-known local family, Mr. Wake was the eldest surviving son of Mr. William Wake of Osgathorpe House. After finishing school, he trained in law under Mr. Arthur Wightman and later joined the family law firm, Wake and Sons, alongside his father and brother, Philip. In 1884, following the death of Mr. Stephen Harry Wake, he was appointed Deputy Registrar of the County Court, and in 1894 he succeeded his father as Registrar. He also held the post of District Registrar for the Supreme Court.

Mr. Wake was widely known and respected not just for his professional role, but for his deep involvement in Sheffield’s sporting life. A keen sportsman in his youth, he played both football and cricket. He was an early member of the Sheffield Club, even playing for Surrey at one point, and later joined the Thursday Wanderers—winning the Sheffield Football Association Challenge Cup with them before stepping back from active play. He remained a passionate supporter of football throughout his life and was especially loyal to the Wednesday Club.

His love of cricket was just as strong. He served on the Yorkshire Committee for many years and even played in several county matches in the late 1870s. Perhaps his most lasting legacy in Sheffield cricket is the Wake Cup, a competition he founded with a trophy worth 100 guineas. Originally run for his benefit, it was later transformed into the Wake Charity Cup, with all proceeds donated to local charities. Eventually, the cup came under the management of the Midland Cricket League. Mr. Wake was also a longtime supporter of the Pitsmoor Cricket Club and was well known for his generosity towards players in need.

Outside of sport, he enjoyed shooting and other country pursuits. He married three years ago, though he leaves no children. His death will be deeply felt in many circles across Sheffield.

Mr. Wake’s funeral will take place on Tuesday at 11 a.m. at the Roman Catholic burial ground in Handsworth. The service will be conducted by the Rev. Canon Walshaw.