Charles Peter Layard was born on 5 December 1849 in Colombo, the youngest of nine children, to Charles Peter Layard (1806 - 1893) and Louisa Anne née Edwards (1809 - 1886), who hailed from a distinguished family, whose earlier relatives migrated to Ceylon.
Studied at Cheltenham College. Saint John's College Cambridge (Master of Arts).
His father was a civil servant and first Mayor of Colombo. Layard was appointed Chief Justice on 21 March 1902, upon the retirement of John Winfield Bonser, and took up the position on 26 April 1902. He was one of the first Chief Justices produced by the local bar, and served until he was succeeded by Joseph Turner Hutchinson in June 1906.
Club: Royal Societies.
Spouse 1882, Ada Alexandria, 2nddaughter of late A. A. Julius Mortlake.
