Architect Sir Edward Maufe was born in Ilkley, Yorkshire on 12 December 1882. The family name was 'Muff', but he changed his name by deed poll in 1909. As a child, he lived for a while at Red House, Bexleyheath, the former home of William Morris, designed by Philip Webb. This influenced his early development as an architect.
Maufe undertook a wide variety of commissions, including churches, theatres, Oxbridge colleges and other public buildings. From 1943 to 1969, he was chief architect to the Imperial War Graves Commission, where he designed many memorials. He was knighted in 1954 for his services.
Maufe died on 12 December 1974, his 92nd birthday.