He had already been created Baron Ludlow, of Ardsalla in the County of Meath, on 19 December 1755, and was made Viscount Preston, of Ardsalla in the County of Meath, at the same time as he was given the earldom.
He subsequently represented Huntingdonshire in Parliament and served as Comptroller of the Household from 1782 to 1784.
His mother was Mary, daughter of John Preston (of the Viscounts Gormanston), hence his choice of title for the viscountcy.
Lord Ludlow was succeeded by his eldest son, the second Earl.
In 1831 he was created Baron Ludlow in the Peerage of the United Kingdom.