[5] He was chairman of the Tariff Reform League,[1] in succession to its founder, Arthur Pearson.

[5][11] Ridley suddenly fell ill at his home at Blagdon Hall on 28 January 1916 and required a "severe operation."

The Times reported Lord Ridley had been "in indifferent health since his last grave illness three or four years ago, when an operation was also necessary," but did not offer specifics.

Ridley had entertained Field Marshal John French at Blagdon two days before his illness and was scheduled to go to France with the Northumberland Hussars.

Rosamond, Viscountess Ridley, was invested as a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1918, and died 2 December 1947.