He was the son of John Eyles, a Wiltshire wool-stapler, and the younger brother of Sir John Eyles, with whom he went into business as "Eyles & Co".[2] He was an eminent haberdasher
and merchant in London, and was Sheriff of the City, 1710–11, and Alderman of Bridge Without from 23 January 1711 until his death.[3]
He married Elizabeth Ayley, daughter of London merchant Richard Ayley, in or before 1673. Their two surviving sons were John, who became a Member of Parliament and succeeded to the baronetcy, and Joseph, who also became an MP. Their three other sons and a daughter died before them.[2]