[2] Macclesfield was returned to Parliament for Woodstock in 1777, a seat he held until 1784, and later represented Minehead between 1790 and 1795.

In 1791 he was sworn of the Privy Council and appointed Comptroller of the Household, which he remained until 1797.

From 1804 to 1830 he held office as Captain of the Yeomen of the Guard under eight different prime ministers.

[5] Lord Macclesfield married Mary Frances, daughter of Reverend Thomas Drake, in 1780.

Macclesfield died in March 1842, aged 87, and was succeeded in the earldom by his younger brother, Thomas.