Laycock was born in Westminster on 18 April 1907, the eldest son of Brigadier General Sir Joseph Frederick Laycock —an officer of the Royal Regiment of Artillery knighted for his services during the First World War—by his marriage on 14 November 1902 to Katherine Mary Hare, who was previously married to and divorced by the 6th Marquess of Downshire, and herself a granddaughter of William Hare, 2nd Earl of Listowel. Laycock was thus a half-brother of the 7th :en:Marquess of Downshire|Marquess of Downshire; their sister Josephine married Edward Greenall, 2nd Lord Daresbury, and is grandmother of the present Baron. Through his father's relationship with the married Daisy Greville, Countess of Warwick, issue occurring before and during his marriage with Kitty, Robert Laycock was half-brother to the Countess of Warwick's son Maynard Greville, and daughter, Mercy Greville. Laycock was educated at Lockers Park School and Eton College, followed by officer training at the Royal Military College, Sandhurst, from which he emerged as a well-read young man with a scientific bent. He also briefly worked in a factory.
In 1954, his old friend, Anthony Head, now Secretary of State for War appointed Laycock to the position of Commander-in-Chief and Governor of Malta. This was during a period of tensions surrounding a drive for independence, with Prime Minister Dom Mintoff leading a campaign for "Integration or Self-Determination", and the Nationalist Party looking for a "Quasi-Dominion Status. Prior to his assuming the position of Governor, Queen Elizabeth knighted Laycock in the drawing room of Sledmere House, Yorkshire whilst staying as fellow house guests of Sir Richard Sykes, Baronet. Laycock served until 1959, having had his term extended twice.
Last years
Laycock suffered from severe circulatory problems, which meant constant pain in one leg. He was appointed Lord Lieutenant of Nottinghamshire in 1962. A noted horseman, yachtsman and historical book collector, his interests made him a man who could enjoy life. It was said by many he had no enemies. While walking back from Sunday church services on 10 March 1968, Laycock suffered a massive heart attack and died. His estate was probated at £279,910.
Edwina Ottilie Jane Laycock has been twice married, and has issue by both marriages.
Joseph William Peter Laycock, accidentally drowned with his eight-year-old daughter Flora in a boating accident on the River Thames, and was survived by two children. He married 1971 Eve Lucinda Fleming, better known as the actress Lucy Fleming, younger daughter of Peter Fleming, otherwise Lt. Col. Peter Fleming, OBE by his wife Dame Celia Johnson, actress. Lucy Fleming is a niece of Ian Fleming, creator of "James Bond", and has remarried.
Benjamin Richard Laycock ; married 1971, and has issue 1 son and 2 daughters.
Emma Rose Laycock, now Lady Temple, married 1964 Sir Richard Chartier Carnac Temple, 5th Bt., elder son and heir of Sir Richard Antony Purbeck Temple, 4th Bt., of The Nash, MC by his first wife Lucy Geils de Lotbinière, dau of Alain Joly de Lotbinière, of Montreal; they have issue, three daughters.
Katherine Martha Laycock ; married 1969 David Mlinaric, interior designer and decorator, has three children.
