He was born at Kirtlington Park, Oxfordshire, the eldest son of George Cholmondeley, and Susan Caroline Dashwood.

The family seats are Houghton Hall, Norfolk, and Cholmondeley Castle, which is surrounded by a 7,500 acres (30 km2) estate near Malpas, Cheshire.

After major restoration work in the 1920s and 1930s, the rustic farm only 50 miles (80 km) from London was reported to have been used as a romantic getaway by the Prince of Wales (later Edward VIII).

[5] The second, fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh holders of the marquessate have all held this office, which changes between the heirs of the two daughters of the Duke with each new reign.

[8] Cholmondeley's bride was the daughter of Colonel Sir Robert Nigel Fitzhardinge Kingscote and Lady Emily Marie Curzon, and the granddaughter of Richard Curzon-Howe, 1st Earl Howe.