[1] Entering the Middle Temple, Wood began as a special pleader and established a reputation.
He had many pupils, among whom were Edward Law, Thomas Erskine, Charles Abbott,[1] James Scarlett,[2] and John Williams.
He joined the northern circuit, and on 5 November 1796 he was returned to parliament for Haslemere in Surrey, retaining his seat until 1806.
He was a supporter of prerogative power and took a strong stand against free criticism of the executive by the press; Henry Brougham threatened to move his impeachment.
[1] Wood resigned his office in February 1823, and died on 7 July 1824 at his house in Bedford Square.