Charles Edward Keyser

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Charles Edward Keyser DL, FSA (10 September 1847 – 23 May 1929) was a British stockbroker and an expert on English church architecture. In 1893 he became Lord of the Manor of Aldermaston in Berkshire, a title he held until his death.

Early life and education
Keyser was born in Paddington, London, to financier Charles Keyser and Margaret Blore. He had a sister, Agnes. He went to Eton College and then studied law at Trinity College, Cambridge, earning a BA in 1870 and an MA in 1873.

Career and interests
He later worked in the City of London as a stockbroker and built substantial wealth. He also gained prominence in architectural circles for his writings and lectures on English church architecture. In 1879 he became a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries. In 1883 he contributed work to the South Kensington Museum about British buildings with mural paintings. He served as president of the British Archaeological Association from 1906 until his death, and was praised for revitalizing the organization through his active leadership and many published papers. He captained the Hertfordshire County Cricket Club for eight years.

Aldermaston and public work
In 1893 Keyser purchased Aldermaston Court, a neoclassical mansion in Aldermaston, Berkshire. He supported numerous village projects, including renovating the parish church, improving the water supply and drainage, and building a parish hall. During the South African Wars he helped establish a convalescent home for wounded soldiers and later equipped the parish hall for this purpose if needed.

Public service and affiliations
Keyser served as a justice of the peace in Hertfordshire and Berkshire and sat on both county councils. He was a deputy lieutenant and High Sheriff of Berkshire. He was a Freemason and Knight Templar, involved with the Isaac Newton University Lodge, eventually becoming Grand Warden of England and Deputy Provincial Grand Master of Hertfordshire. Politically, he held leadership roles in the Conservative Association, including chairing the Harrow and Reading divisions and serving as treasurer of the west Hertfordshire association.

Family
He married Mary Emma Bagnall on 29 November 1871. They had four children: Charles Norman (1885–1964), Dorothy Margaret (1884–1963), Muriel Agnes (1886–1977), and Sybil Violet (1889–1966). The 1891 census lists all four children living with him at St George Hanover Square, while later records show his daughters at 37 Portman Square.

Death
Charles Edward Keyser died on 23 May 1929 at the age of 81 and was buried at the Church of St Mary the Virgin in Aldermaston.