George Horsfield

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George Horsfield (1882-1956) was a British architect and archaeologist who made significant contributions to the field of antiquities in Transjordan. Born on April 19, 1882, in Meanwood, Leeds, Yorkshire, England, to Richard Horsford and his wife Sarah, Horsfield's early life laid the foundation for his future endeavors.

Horsfield's architectural training began at Leeds Grammar School, followed by a stint with renowned neo-Gothic architect George Frederick Bodley. He then moved to the United States to work for Cram, Goodhue & Ferguson, before returning to the UK in 1914 to volunteer for service in the Royal Naval Brigade during World War I. Horsfield's experiences during this period included participating in the Battle of Gallipoli and the Battle of the Somme.

Following his return to Britain, Horsfield served with the 7th West Yorkshire Regiment and was posted to India in 1918, where he worked as a senior architect for Royal Engineers military buildings. In 1923, he became a student at the British School of Archaeology in Jerusalem, under the guidance of John Garstang, who appreciated Horsfield's architectural background.

Horsfield's involvement with the British School of Archaeology led to his participation in excavations and conservation work at Gerasa, where he conducted significant restoration efforts. His expertise as an architect proved invaluable in uncovering the Southern Theatre, which was featured on the cover of Illustrated London News in August 1925. This recognition marked a turning point in Horsfield's career, solidifying his reputation as a leading archaeologist.

In 1928, Horsfield became chief inspector of antiques in Transjordan, overseeing the preservation and conservation of archaeological sites throughout the region. His work at Jerash began in 1925, with excavations conducted alongside John Garstang. The following year, Horsfield joined his future wife, Agnes Conway, on an excavation expedition to Petra.

Horsfield's contributions to archaeology extended beyond Transjordan, as he also worked on projects in India and the UK. His experiences during World War I had a lasting impact on him, leading to a renewed focus on archaeological work after the conflict. Throughout his career, Horsfield demonstrated a unique blend of architectural expertise and archaeological knowledge, leaving an indelible mark on the field.

Horsfield passed