Charles Edward Keyser DL FSA[1] (10 September 1847 – 23 May 1929[2]) was a British stockbroker and authority on English church architecture.

[6] In 1879, Keyser was appointed as a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries due to his writings and lectures on English church architecture.

[3] The manor house was built in the mid-19th century by Philip Charles Hardwick,[7] a student of Keyser's maternal grandfather.

[8] Keyser had been told of the estate's sale by his sister, Agnes, who said that it reminded her of her stay at Sandringham House.

[6] He was the benefactor of numerous projects in the village, including the renovation of the church, establishment of a water supply and drainage system, and building of a parish hall.

[3] While in Aldermaston, Keyser was involved with the South African Wars, establishing a convalescent home for wounded soldiers.