LAYNE. A well-known oflicer oi state, in royal and noble houses and courts. There are several distinct families bearing the surname. Aiulfus Camcrarius (the latinized form) was a tenant in chief in co, Dorset, aud probably the Conqueror's own chamberlain. One of his possessions in that county is still called HamprestonChamberlaine. Ellis, Introd. Domesd. The Chamberlaynes of Maugersbury claim from John, count of Tancandlle, whose descendants were hereditary chamberlains to kings Henry I., Stephen, aud Henry II. The office of the canicmrius was to tale charge of the king's camera or treasury, and answered to the treasurer of the household at present. Kelham. Besides Aiulfus above mentioned, at least five other tenants in capite so designated occur in Domesday.

Lower, Mark A (1860) Patronymica Britannica: a dictionary of the family names of the United Kingdom. London: J.R. Smith. Public Domain.