George Reavell OBE (1865 - 1947)
Architect and Surveyor

George Reavell (b.1865) was educated at Alnwick Grammar School and began his architectural practice at Alnwick in 1886, expanding to premises in both Morpeth and Berwick at different points in his career. His work involved the design of new buildings and the survey and restoration of old buildings. In 1916 he was admitted to FRIBA (Fellow of the Royal Institute of British Architects) and in the 1920’s became president of the Northern Architectural Association. In his later years he formed Reavell and Cahill, working alongside his daughter Mary Proctor Cahill (b.1902) who had followed her father into the profession. Outside architecture Reavell was commander of 2/7th and 35th Northumberland Fusiliers during WWI and a leading figure in the Alnwick Boy Scouts and Freemasons.

Held here at Northumberland Archives are Reavell's original surveys and architectural plans. Included are many familiar castles, stately homes, coaching inns, public buildings and monuments. We also hold the office diary’s from 1920’s onwards providing detailed information on the everyday workings of a busy 20th century architectural practice. Collectively his work demonstrates the vast number of historic buildings he worked on in the region and the renovation he conducted to ensure their survival for us today.