[citation needed] Mount Edgcumbe was returned to Parliament for Fowey in 1819 (succeeding his deceased elder brother Lord Valletort), a seat he held until 1826,[1] and then represented Lostwithiel until 1830.

[2] In 1837 he succeeded his father in the earldom and entered the House of Lords.

[citation needed] Lord Mount Edgcumbe married Caroline Augusta, daughter of Rear-Admiral Charles Feilding, in 1831.

He died in September 1861, aged 64, and was succeeded in the earldom by his son, William.

Lady Mount Edgcumbe survived him by 20 years and died in November 1881.