John Scafe (1776–1843) was a poet and writer on geology. Scafe was born in London to William Scafe, a barrister, and Frances in June 1776. He went to University College, Oxford in January 1794 to study, but never completed a degree. He joined the army in 1799, and was appointed captain in the 43rd regiment of foot in 1805. Scafe retired from the army in around 1812, and moved to Northumberland. Scafe lived for many years at Alnwick, and sat on the committee for the Alnwick dispensary.