As a result of the passing of the Reform Bill in 1832 (which Vernon supported) the parliamentary seat for Derbyshire was divided in two, and he became MP for the southern part.

As a youth, Vernon was taken to Italy, and later returned to live in Florence, where he studied the Italian language and history.

The latter work was described by Henry Clark Barlow as one "which, for utility of purpose, comprehensiveness of design, and costly execution, has never been equalled in any country.

The first volume includes the text of the Inferno with many unpublished documents; and the third volume, which appeared after Lord Vernon's death, contains 112 original engravings of incidents in the Inferno, views of towns, castles, and other localities mentioned therein, as well as portraits, paintings, plans, and historical monuments illustrating the history of the fourteenth century.

He was also created Cavaliere di San Maurizio e Lazzaro in May 1865, in recognition of his labours on behalf of the national poet.

[10][full citation needed] After a long illness, Vernon died at Sudbury Hall, the family seat, near Derby, on 31 May 1866 aged 62.