[1] He was elected to the House of Commons for East Worcestershire in 1868, a seat he held until 1874.

In 1889 he also succeeded his distant relative Richard Temple-Nugent-Brydges-Chandos-Grenville, 3rd Duke of Buckingham and Chandos, as eighth Baron and Viscount Cobham.

He died in June 1922, aged 79, and was succeeded in his titles by his eldest son John.

A right-handed batsman and wicketkeeper, he scored 1439 runs at an average of 27.15, including 2 centuries.

[3] From 2 March 1898 Cobham held the post of 'Honorary Colonel' of the 1st Volunteer, later 7th Battalion, Worcestershire Regiment.