After private education he was employed in business, and in his leisure cultivated in debating societies an aptitude for public speaking.

In London he soon devoted himself to parliamentary practice, for which his persuasive eloquence and commanding personality admirably fitted him.

He was chosen a bencher of his inn on 27 January 1870, and was treasurer in 1888–9, when he made a valuable donation of books to the library.

He died at his residence, 74 Ashley Gardens, Westminster, on 22 July 1901, and was buried at Llanbedr in Merionethshire, of which county he was a J. P. and deputy lieutenant.

Pope married Hannah, daughter of Thomas Bury of Timperley Lodge, Cheshire; she predeceased him without issue in 1880.