As Lord Proprietor of the Isles of Scilly, he introduced numerous reforms to the islands, including improvements to education, tenancy structures and employment.

However, a claim to the Islands was put forward by the Commissioner of Woods and Forests, which led to Smith withdrawing his bid, wanting to avoid any bureaucratic conflict.

[4] In 1834, Smith was informed by the Duchy of Cornwall that they had won a lawsuit against the Commissioner of Woods and Forests, and that the Isles of Scilly were again available for lease.

At this time, the Islands were administrated by a body known as the Council of Twelve, who derived their authority from the Duke of Leeds.

In return, Smith was to pay a £40 a year rent to the Duchy, as well as spend £5,000 on building a new church and quay for St Mary's.

Smith did not allow any clergy members onto the magistrates bench, due to their perceived "propensity for causing trouble".

[9] After becoming the Lord Proprietor, Smith began to introduce numerous Benthamist reforms to the Isles of Scilly.

Smith's consolidation of all the smaller holdings necessitated the eviction of many tenants, while his other reforms regarding smuggling and education were met with much scorn from the local residents.

Regardless, Smith had much success in promoting education on the islands, with both adults and children attending school.

As the title suggests, it traces the family name from its early beginnings and asserts that ″the county of Nottingham may justly be considered as the fatherland of Smiths, who have always abounded within its borders″.

He had a close relationship and a lifelong correspondence with Lady Sophia Tower, a married woman (and only daughter of the 1st Earl Brownlow) who often visited him at Tresco.

[24][25] The estate was inherited by his nephew Thomas Smith-Dorrien-Smith, and his descendants retain the lease of Tresco to the present day.