He was born at Aylestone, Leicestershire, and was Member of Parliament (MP) for Southwark from 1870 to 1880. He died on 1 August 1890 at Cliftonthorpe, Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Leicestershire, and is buried in Brompton Cemetery, London. He married twice. Firstly, Elizabeth Green, daughter of George Green, on 20 September 1848 at St. Oswald Parish Church, Durham. They had six children. Secondly, Eleanor Richardson on 2 June 1881 at St. George, Hanover Square, London. His daughter Selina (1859–1938) married Sir Hay Frederick Donaldson, son of Sir Stuart Donaldson.