Charles Layard (priest) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids The Very Reverend Charles Layard F.R.S., D.D.
Layard and his fiancée Elizabeth Ward, by Francis Wheatley, c. 1778
Dean of Bristol
In office 1800–1803
Preceded by	John Hallam
Succeeded by	Bowyer Sparke
Personal details
Born	Charles Peter Layard (1750-02-19)19 February 1750 London, England
Died	11 April 1803(1803-04-11) (aged 53)
Spouses	Elizabeth Ward ​ ​ (m. 1777; died 1796)​ Elizabeth Carver ​ (m. 1798)​
Relations	Lady Charlotte Guest (granddaughter) George Bertie, 10th Earl of Lindsey (grandson) Montague Bertie, 11th Earl of Lindsey (grandson) Austen Henry Layard (grandson) Charles Peter Layard (grandson)
Parents	Daniel Peter Layard Susanne Henriette de Boisragon
Alma mater	St John's College, Cambridge

Charles Peter Layard (born February 19, 1750, died April 11, 1803) was an important church leader in England. He was known as a Doctor of Divinity (D.D.), which is a high degree in religious studies. He was also a Fellow of the Royal Society (F.R.S.), a group of top scientists. From 1800 until his death, he served as the Dean of Bristol, a senior position in the Church of England.

Early Life and Family

Charles Layard was born in London, England, on February 19, 1750. His father was Dr. Daniel Peter Layard, a doctor who worked for Princess Augusta of Saxe-Gotha. She was the mother of King George III. Charles had several brothers and sisters. His family was well-connected and respected.

Education and Church Career

Charles Layard went to Huntingdon School. After that, he studied at St John's College, Cambridge, a famous university. He earned his first degree in 1770 and a master's degree in 1773. Later, in 1787, he received his Doctor of Divinity degree.

He became a deacon in the church in 1771 and a priest in 1774. This meant he could lead church services and perform religious duties. He served as a Vicar (a type of priest) in Kewstoke from 1777 to 1799. In 1778, he became a Fellow of the Royal Society, which showed his interest in learning and knowledge.

Layard held several other important church roles. He was a Prebendary (a senior clergyman) at Worcester Cathedral starting in 1793. He also served as a Rector (another type of priest) in Uffington from 1798 to 1803. From 1799 to 1803, he was a Prebendary at Bangor Cathedral. Before becoming Dean of Bristol, he was a minister at Oxenden Chapel in London. He also served in churches in Wootton Bassett and Kewstoke.

Personal Life and Family

On December 1, 1777, Charles Layard married Elizabeth Ward. They had many children together:

• Brownlow Villiers Layard (1779–1861) was their oldest son. He became an army officer and also served as a chaplain.
• Charlotte Susanna Elizabeth (1780–1858) married Albemarle Bertie, 9th Earl of Lindsey. She later married the Rev. William Peter Pegus.
• Marianne Layard (1781–1840)
• Henrietta Margaret Layard (1782–1855)
• Henry Peter John Layard (1783–1834) worked in the civil service in Ceylon (now Sri Lanka).
• Sophia Catherine Layard (1784–1785)
• Charles Edward Layard (1786–1852)
• Caroline Bethia Layard (1787–1827)
• Louisa Frances Layard (1789–1851)
• Mary Sarah Sophia Layard (1791–1868)
• Elizabeth Frances Layard (1793–1857)
• Jane Isabella Layard (1795–1796)

After Elizabeth, his first wife, passed away in 1796, Charles Layard married Elizabeth Carver on October 24, 1798. He died a few years later, on April 11, 1803.

Notable Descendants

Charles Layard had many grandchildren who became well-known.

• His granddaughter, Lady Charlotte Guest, was a famous translator and businesswoman.
• Two of his grandsons, George Bertie, 10th Earl of Lindsey and Montague Bertie, 11th Earl of Lindsey, inherited important noble titles.
• Another grandson, Sir Charles Peter Layard (1806–1893), was the first Mayor of Colombo in Ceylon. His son, also named Charles Peter Layard (1849–1916), became the Chief Justice of Ceylon.
• His grandson, Austen Henry Layard, became an important politician, serving as the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs.