He inherited the estates of his father in 1858, and in the same year changed his name and assumed by royal licence the name and arms of Stucley in lieu of his patronymic as lineal heir of the ancient Stucley family, which had possessed Affeton Castle in Devon for over 600 years.
He was educated at Eton College and Christ Church, Oxford, and obtained a commission in the Royal Horse Guards, from which he retired with the rank of lieutenant-colonel.
He was afterwards connected to the Devon Artillery Militia, of which he was appointed in command in 1849 and retired with the honorary rank of colonel as the regiment was disbanded in 1853.
[1] Stucley married first in 1835 Lady Elizabeth O'Bryan, 4th daughter and co-heiress of William O'Brien, 2nd Marquess of Thomond (1765–1846), by whom he had children.
In later years he moved to Exbury House on the Solent, which he rented to pursue his pastime of yacht-sailing.