George Reavell Junior (1865‐1947) was educated at Alnwick Grammar School and began
his architectural career in 1880, articled to his father. He set up his own practice in 1886. In
1916 he became a Fellow of the Royal Institute of British Architects and was awarded an OBE in 1919 in recognition of his services during World War One.
From 1914 ‐ 1923 Reavell worked with William Arthur Tebbs to design war memorials, including those at Rothbury (1923) and Seahouses (1923). From 1932 George Reavell worked with his daughter, Mary Proctor Reavell. After Mary married architect T J Cahill the practice became Reavell, Cahill and Cahill and operated under that name until George died in 1947. George Reavell's work in Alnwick includes Robertson's Pant (1890), St James Parish Hall (1904) and Lloyds Bank (1909). Outside Alnwick he designed the Ravensworth
Fountain at Whittingham (1905) and a Memorial Fountain in Branxton (1910). His work for
Lloyds Bank also included the Gateshead branch (1914).
George was commander of 2/7th and 35th Northumberland Fusiliers during WWI. He was
president of the Northern Architectural Association and a leading figure in the Alnwick Boy
Scouts and Freemasons.
George Reavell (1833‐1915) was born in Guilden Morden, Cambridgeshire. He came to
Alnwick in 1870 from the Earl of Hardwicke's estate at Wimpole Park to take on the role of Clerk of works and Architect at Alnwick Castle. He remained in the Duke's service until 1899. During that time he supervised considerable work on Alnwick castle, including the installation of electricity. He was involved with the construction of several village schools, and additions to Alnwick's National and Duke's School. He was also involved with repairs to St Paul's Church, supervised the widening of Hotspur Street and Tower Lane, and construction of the Baths, Wash‐houses and Working Men's Club on Clayport (1876).
Born in Berwick in 1783 to Anthony (a solicitor) and Cicely Lambert. Family moved to Alnwick in 1787. Joined his father in the law by 1806. Aged 29 and living in Croft House when he married Juliana Mounsey, aged 19, from Cumberland. Bought Narrowgate House in 1811. 30 years later still there with Juliana, their two oldest children and five servants. Died in 1849, buried at St Michael's Church.
Known familiarly as Molly, and professionally under her married name of Mary Proctor Cahill. She followed her father into the profession in 1935 after studying at Durham University School of Architecture. By 1938 she was architect to Alnwick Urban District Council. During the war she was a Civil Defence Ambulance Driver. Mary become a Fellow of the RIBA in 1946. Her work included hotels, houses and cottages for agricultural workers. At Swarland in the 1930s she laid out a Settlement for the Fountains Abbey Settlers Society where unemployed men from Tyneside were able to build homes for themselves and their families. She later worked with Lord Beveridge on the board of Newton Ayliffe new town.
Joseph Oswald designed Alnwick Playhouse. He was born in 1851, articled to his father Septimus Oswald from 1863 to 1868, and remained as assistant until 1876 when he was taken into partnership. Around 1900 Joseph took his son Harold Oswald into partnership, creating the practice J. Oswald & Son. Other notable buildings by the partnership include: Newcastle Central Arcade, dozens of public houses for Newcastle Breweries including the “Beehive”, in Newcastle Cloth Market, the Newcastle Arms in St Andrews Street, Newcastle and the “Victoria” in Durham.
Thomas Robertson (1805-1882) cabinetmaker, upholsterer, auctioneer, &ct, lived in Castleside House on Narrowgate. He was undertaker for the funerals of the third, fourth and the fifth Duke of Northumberland. He designed the Borough School and the Corn Exchange. His sawmill at Waterside (opposite Alnmouth) processed imported timber. He had premises in London, and manufactured for other retailers. He died in 1882 at home (Thornhill, on Alnmouth Rd) and is buried in Alnwick Cemetery.
Architect of Mechanics Institute and Savings Bank at 11, Narrowgate. He died on 7th March 1849, at the age of 59. "He was of low stature but extremely neat and tidy in his mode of dress and hism anner and conversations were such as bespoke the gentleman. As a professional he has left few specimens in the town of his abilities as an architect but there is little doubt that he possessed all the necessary qualities for such an undertaking".
The first Methodist preacher to visit Alnwick was probably John Trembath, in 1744. Charles Wesley is said to have preached here in 1746. In 1748 John Wesley preached at the Cross, but commented that 'all were moved a little, but none very much'. Alnwick became a regular stopping point on his two-yearly journeys to Scotland.