[1] Educated at Harrow and the Royal Military College, Sandhurst, Hopton was commissioned into the British Army on 13 August 1879 as a second lieutenant in the Highland Light Infantry.

He had a career in the Army Ordnance Department, and was Chief Inspector for Small Arms with the temporary rank of lieutenant-colonel from 1 October 1900.

He represented England 36 times in the Elcho long-range Match against Scotland and Ireland, and captained the Great Britain team both at home and on tour in Australia.

[5] Hopton lived at Canon Frome Court, Herefordshire, his ancestral home, where he had a private rifle range.

He is buried in an imposing tomb at the top of Meephill to the east of the parish of Canon Frome, taking the form of a stone classical temple with resonant musical qualities.