From 1743 to 1744 he also served as Lord Privy Seal under Henry Pelham and was Joint Vice-Treasurer of Ireland between 1744 and 1757.

He was also involved in the charitable effort to create a home for foundlings in London, which was hoped would alleviate the problem of child abandonment.

The home became known as the Foundling Hospital and Cholmondeley sat on its board as a founding Governor.

His second son Robert (1727–1804) began his career as a lieutenant in the 3rd Foot Guards but resigned after the Battle of Lauffeld in July 1747 and became a minister.

[4] The actress Maria Nossiter was the daughter of Lord Cholmondeley's "favourite" housekeeper.