He was the eldest (in surviving to adulthood) of fourteen children of the architect Charles Lynam and his wife Lucy Emma.

After graduation, he worked for a short time in his father's office and then in 1879 won a scholarship to Hertford College, Oxford.

C. C. Lynam became famous for managing the school according to principles of liberal humanism, "actively encouraging originality in boys and affording them every opportunity to discover and develop their own interest and genius.

"[3] Charles C. Lynam enjoyed sailing and cruising and often invited friends and Dragon School's staff members to accompany him in yachting.

[6] Frank Sidgwick (1879–1939), scholar, publisher, writer of light verse, and old boy of the Dragon School, wrote The Times obituary for Mr C. C.