Keyser family background and images

Charles Edward Keyser (1847 – 1929) was undoubtedly the greatest benefactor this village has had in recent times, during his time as owner and Lord of the Manor. He purchased the whole estate in 1893 and contributed much of his large fortune to improving the villager’s conditions. Images of this remarkable man and of his family are presented below.

Also, newly re-discovered is an article contributed to the Parish Magazine in 2006 by Mrs Ursula Wadram, Charles Keyser’s granddaughter. This gives a wonderful insight into the lives of the members of this remarkable family.

Charles Keyser poses outside his beloved church in 1900- and the same view in 2020

Another atmospheric photo of Keyser in later life, in 1922.

During extensive restoration of the church in 1896-1902, Charles Keyser whimsically had himself portrayed as a harpist on the eastern wall to the right of the altar! This glorious mural; was executed by by Philip Newman.

On the other side of the alter, his family are portrayed- his wife Emma (playing the lyre) , daughters Dorothy, Muriel and Sybil and (bottom left) son Charles Norman Keyser

A mystery figure: the most prominent figure in the right-hand mural is this man, who must be someone important. It's been suggested that he was Charles Keyser's father and a very similar figure appears to Charle's right in the 1896 "waterworks" photo which follows.. However, the father died in 1892 so unless this painting is a memorial to him the identity of this striking figure remains a mystery.

One of Keyser's many works was installing the first water supply and this photo was taken at the opening ceremony in 1896. Charles Keyser is clearly identifiable to the left of the fountain, wearing a straw hat and to his right is a Pekinese- the family's favourite breed. Behind and to the right of the water are almost certainly his wife and three daughters.. The right-hand figure is most likely Dorothy Keyser, and second from the right is either Muriel or Sybil. A set of delightful miniatures of the three daughters has survived and these are presented below.