Rectory Lane Cemetery, Berkhamsted

Albert Edward was born in Berkhamsted around 1872, one of seven children. His parents, George and Charlotte Jane Loosley, were active members of the Baptist Church in Berkhamsted.

George was noted in Berkhamsted as a journalist and publisher, writing for The West Herts Observer.  His publishing business printed The Berkhamsted Times (est 1875) and the Berkhamsted Almanack and Directory. George also ran a newsagent and stationery shop on Berkhamsted High Street.

In 1921, Albert Edward Loosley became Treasurer of the Baptist Union World Conference, and was elected a Life Deacon in 1948. He was succeeded as Treasurer’s by his sister Nellie Loosley, who held the post for about 30 years, resigning in 1950.

Albert Edward Loosley married Augusta and they had a son, Raymond.

Albert Edward was associated with the family publishing business and wrote a small booklet, Historical Guide to Berkhamsted, first published in 1900. The guide explores a range of subjects in the history of the town, including Berkhamsted Castle, Ashridge, St Peter’s Church and the town’s associations with the Duchy of Cornwall. The book proved extremely popular and was a sell-out success — in fact, Loosley reprinted it in 1920, 1922 and 1939.

Augusta died January 30th 1950, aged 76 and Albert Edward died 12 March 1956, aged 84. They are lie buried together in Rectory Lane Cemetery. In 1957, their son Raymond Loosley presented a Pulpit Bible to the Baptist Church in memory of his father Albert Edward.

Several other members of the Loosley family are buried together in one grave in Rectory Lane Cemetery: Albert Edward’s sister Mary Elizabeth (d.1905), and his parents George (d.1921) and Charlotte Jane (d.1929).