Worsfold, W. Basil (William Basil), 1858-1939

Epithet: author

British Library Archives and Manuscripts Catalogue : Person : Description : ark:/81055/vdc_100000000295.0x000221

William Basil Worsfold was born on the 5 December 1858 in Yorkshire, England. He was educated at St. Peter's, York; Wakefield School; University College, Oxford, and was called to the Bar in 1887. From 1891-1900 he lectured on Economics and Literature for the Oxford Extension Delegates and London Joint Board, and during these years published seven books of which three were concerned with the history of Africa.

In 1904 he was appointed editor of the Johannesburg Star, a post which brought him into close contact with Lord Milner, High Commissioner for South Africa. When Milner retired in 1905, Worsfold too returned to England and in 1909 bought a house in Kent not far from Sturry Court where Milner was living.

Worsfold died on the 26 September 1939.

From the guide to the Papers of William Basil Worsfold, 1902-1933, (The Bodleian Library of Commonwealth and African Studies at Rhodes House)