Ernest Wakeford was born in H M Dockyard, Devonport, Devon, England on 24 July 1887 and was articled to Francis Newman (1831?-?) and Samuel Roger Cocks (1856-1946) of Francis Newman & Cocks in Ryde. He also attended Ryde School of Art & Science. He commenced practice as an architect in Cosham, Hampshire in 1909.
Wakeford was a Member of the Society of Architects (MSA) and an Associate of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Architectural Association. His address was given as 55 Argyll Street, Ryde, Isle of Wight, Hampshire in 1901; Eidelveiss, Western Parade, Emsworth, Hampshire in 1911; and High Street, Cosham, Hampshire and "The Dell", Waterlooville, Hampshire 1914. He died in Purley, Surrey 14 February 1971. His address at the time of his death was 9 Dalgarth Gardens, Purley, Surrey
Alterations to some Portsmouth drapery premises; structural alterations to a local factory; alterations to several country houses In this district; several country houses and Garden City types of houses In the surrounding neighbourhood, and South Hampshire.
Directory of British Architects 1834-1914. Compiled by Antonia Brodie, et al. Volume 2: L-Z. London; New York: British Architectural Library, Royal Institute of British Architects/Continuum, 2001