[5] On the death of Richard Cobden in 1865, he unsuccessfully contested Rochdale as a Conservative, but in an 1866 by-election, he was returned for Helston in unique circumstances.

[4] Brett rapidly made his mark in the House, and in early 1868, he was knighted[6] and appointed Solicitor General under Benjamin Disraeli.

In 1880, he delivered a speech in the House of Lords, deprecating the delay and expense of trials, which he regarded as having been increased by the Judicature Act 1873.

[17] She was the daughter of Finette and Lazare Mayer, and the step-daughter of Lt Col John Gurwood, the editor of Wellington's Dispatches.

[citation needed] Lord Esher died in London in May 1899, aged eighty-three, and was succeeded by his eldest son, Reginald.