Alfred T Schofield

Early Life

Alfred T. Schofield was born in 1846 at Schofield Hall, Rochdale, an old Jacobean house associated with several long-established Lancashire families. Although his family background carried social distinction, changing fortunes meant that when Alfred was about four years old, his parents moved to London, where his father became involved in work connected with the Crystal Palace at Sydenham.

Growing up in London, Schofield witnessed many formative national events that remained vivid in his memory throughout life, including the Great Exhibition of 1851, the arrival of the Great Eastern on the Thames, the visit of Napoleon III and Empress Eugénie, and the era of Lord Palmerston. These experiences helped shape his broad outlook and lifelong interest in history, culture, and public life.

His early education took place partly in Devonshire, in the home of Arthur Pridham, a well-known Christian author, and later in a variety of schools and colleges. From an early age he showed intellectual curiosity and unusual energy.

Conversion and Early Christian Commitment

At the age of fourteen, while entering a private academy at Ryde on the Isle of Wight, Schofield experienced a sudden and decisive Christian conversion. This moment became the foundation of his entire future life. Almost immediately, he dedicated himself wholeheartedly to Christian service and spiritual growth.

At fifteen, he disciplined himself to study Greek daily from 4 a.m. to 8 a.m., a demanding routine that later proved invaluable in his biblical studies and writings. His faith was never passive; it drove him to intellectual effort, moral discipline, and active service.

Early Work, Marriage, and Change of Direction

Schofield’s first professional training was in business, under the supervision of an uncle in Rochdale. During this period he founded a large Sunday school, which eventually grew to 500 scholars and 50 teachers, complete with a choir—an impressive achievement for a young man. His energy and initiative were already evident.

While travelling in Ireland, he met the woman who would become his wife, and they were married in 1871. The wedding was attended by George V. Wigram, a well-known Christian teacher. After marriage, Alfred and his wife felt drawn to London, settling at 7 Wood Street, where Schofield entered the dry-goods trade.

Although initially successful, the business later failed, leaving him uncertain about his future. At this critical point, he later testified that a quiet inner conviction led him to a new path: medicine. Despite the difficulty of beginning such a demanding profession relatively late, he committed himself fully to medical training.

Medical Training and Practice

Through perseverance and intense study, Schofield passed the required medical examinations, qualifying as M.D., L.R.C.P., and M.R.C.S. After training at the London Hospital, he served briefly as a locum in Yorkshire, before establishing his own practice in Westbourne Terrace, London.

His early years in practice were memorable for both hardship and growth. One early financial mishap—accidentally burning two £20 notes—became legendary among friends. Yet his practice steadily grew, particularly in Harley Street, where he became known as a thoughtful and compassionate physician.

Schofield developed a strong interest in the relationship between mind, body, and spirit, becoming a pioneer in what would now be described as psychosomatic medicine. He lectured widely on health, often addressing audiences of up to 1,000 people, especially at the Paddington Baths, where he ran large ambulance and health classes.

Author, Thinker, and Medical Writer

Alongside his medical work, Schofield became a remarkably prolific author. His writings spanned medicine, psychology, theology, Christian living, and apologetics, reflecting his conviction that truth must be coherent across all areas of life.

His books addressed topics such as:

• The unconscious mind and nervous disorders

• Faith, character, and moral health

• The knowledge of God and Christian experience

• Responses to modern criticism, rationalism, and spiritism

• Biblical studies and devotional writings for young believers

He also wrote medical textbooks that were widely respected, especially on nervous disorders, mental health, and hygienic living. His ability to write clearly for both professionals and the general public made his work especially influential.

Travels and Palestine Studies

Schofield travelled extensively across Europe, including France, Switzerland, Germany, Austria, and Italy. In 1904, he attended the World’s Sunday School Convention in Palestine, an experience that deeply affected him. A second extended journey followed in 1911, including travel through Egypt.

These journeys inspired several major works, including:

• Where He Dwelt

• The Journeys of Jesus Christ

• Palestine Pictured

They also led him to organise “Palestine in London” exhibitions, which vividly presented the geography and culture of the Holy Land. These exhibitions were financially successful, raising £12,000 for charitable causes, none of which he kept for personal gain.

Christian Leadership and Service

From his teenage conversion until his death, Schofield remained unceasingly active in Christian work. Though closely associated with Brethren assemblies (at various times among Darby, Kelly, and Open Brethren), his sympathies were wide, and he supported all sincere efforts to advance Christ’s kingdom.

He was:

• One of the six founders of the Mission to Deep Sea Fishermen

• A valued helper in the great evangelistic missions of Moody and Sankey, and later Torrey and Alexander

• A member of the Prophecy Investigation Society and the Victoria Institute

• A Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society

Even movements he disagreed with intellectually interested him, as he sought to understand their aims—yet he never compromised on the fundamental doctrines of the Christian faith.

Later Years and Final Ministry

After retiring from active medical practice, Schofield settled in Ryde, where he continued to help in local Christian work while regularly travelling to London for lectures and meetings. Remarkably, after the age of eighty, he undertook an extensive preaching tour across England, Scotland, Wales, and the West of England, drawing large audiences and seeing clear spiritual fruit.

Despite long-standing heart trouble, he remained active almost to the end. He died peacefully on 20 April 1929, at the age of 83, after an unrelated illness.

Character and Legacy

In appearance, Alfred T. Schofield could seem austere and aristocratic, which sometimes made him appear distant. Yet those who knew him personally found him warm, generous, humorous, and deeply kind. He was rightly remembered as “a beloved physician”, equally respected in medicine, Christian service, and literature.

His legacy endures through:

• His influential medical and psychological writings

• His clear, thoughtful Christian apologetics

• His lifelong integration of faith, intellect, and service

Few men of his era combined such intellectual breadth, spiritual depth, and practical compassion so consistently over such a long and fruitful life.