Ernest Llewellyn Hampshire was born in East Dulwich, London, England on 16 June 1882 and was articled to Ellis Marsland from 1899 to 1902. He then worked as an assistant to Charles Stanley Peach (1858-1934) from 1902 to 1905. He also studied in London at the Architectural Association Schools, Clapham School of Art, Heatherley's School of Fine Art, King's College, and Central School of Arts and Crafts; and in Cornwall under J. Noble Barlow.
Hampshire qualified as an architect in 1905 and was elected an Associate of the Royal Institute of British Architects (ARIBA) the following year.
While practising as an architect he also worked as a painter and etcher and between 1907 and 1938 exhibited at the International Society, Royal Academy, Royal Institute of Painters in Water Colours, and the Royal Society of Oil Painters in London; the Walker Art Gallery in Liverpool; and at the Paris Salon.
His address was given as Bishops Road Station, Paddington, London and 18 Moyser Road, Streatham, London in 1906; Meadow View, 20 Thrale Road, Streatham Park, London in 1914 and 1939; and C Studio, 139 Alexandra Road, St. John's Wood, London in 1930.
He lived in St. John's Wood, London, and died in Leytonstone, Essex on 18 September 1944
Directory of British Architects 1834-1914. Compiled by Antonia Brodie, et al. Volume 1: A-K. London; New York: British Architectural Library, Royal Institute of British Architects/Continuum, 2001