Peter Megaw facts for kids

Arthur Hubert Stanley "Peter" Megaw (born July 20, 1910 – died May 28, 2006) was a British expert in old buildings and history. He was an archaeologist, which means he studied human history by digging up old sites. He was also an architectural historian, focusing on how buildings were designed and built long ago.

Peter Megaw was especially interested in Byzantine churches. These are churches built during the time of the Byzantine Empire. He led the Department of Antiquities in Cyprus from 1935 to 1960. Later, he was the Director of the British School at Athens from 1962 to 1968.

Peter Megaw's Early Life

Peter Megaw was born on July 20, 1910, in Dublin, Ireland. His full name was Arthur Hubert Stanley Megaw. He was one of four sons. His father, Arthur Stanley Megaw, was a lawyer.

From 1924 to 1928, Peter went to Campbell College in Belfast. This was a boarding school for boys. After that, he studied architecture at Peterhouse, a college at the University of Cambridge. He earned his first degree in 1931. Two of his brothers, Basil Megaw and Eric Megaw, also had important careers.

Peter Megaw's Work and Discoveries

Peter Megaw spent most of his life studying and helping to protect old Christian buildings in the eastern part of the world. He didn't work as a professor at a university. Instead, he worked directly with historical sites.

His first job was in 1931 at the British School at Athens. Here, he studied Byzantine architecture. From 1935 to 1960, he was the first Director of the Department of Antiquities, Cyprus. This meant he was in charge of protecting historical sites in Cyprus.

After Cyprus became independent in 1960, Peter Megaw worked in the United States and Turkey. He had short jobs at Dumbarton Oaks in Washington D.C. and at the Byzantine Institute of America in Istanbul.

From 1962 to 1968, he returned to the British School at Athens as its Director. Even after retiring from this role, he continued his research. He became a visiting scholar at the Harvard Centre for Byzantine Studies at Dumbarton Oaks. For many years, he split his time between Cyprus and the United States, continuing his important work.

You can see some of Peter Megaw's work in the photos kept at the Conway Library. This library is part of the Courtauld Institute of Art.

Later Years and Personal Life

Peter Megaw passed away from cancer on May 28, 2006. He was at his home in Hampstead, London. He was cremated on July 20, 2006.

His friends and colleagues always called him Peter. In 1937, he married Elektra Elena Mangoletsi, who was an artist. She was born in 1905 and died in 1993, before him. They did not have any children.

Awards and Recognition

Peter Megaw received several honors for his work:

• In June 1949, he became a Serving Brother of the Venerable Order of Saint John.
• In 1951, he was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE). This is a special award from the British monarch.
• In September 1967, he was promoted to Commander of the Venerable Order of Saint John.

In 1995, the Society of Antiquaries of London gave him the Frend medal. This award is for people who study the archaeology and history of the early Christian Church. In 2001, a book called Mosaic: festschrift for A.H.S. Megaw was published in his honor. A festschrift is a book written by many authors to celebrate a respected scholar.