Although an MP and possessed of a high position in society, he was an inveterate spendthrift, a gambler and without conscience in using his friends for his own purposes. He had frittered away his fortune, and had mortgaged his dearest possession, Chaldicotes, until it was lost to him.

"He was bald, with a good forehead, and sparkling moist eyes. He was a clever man, and a pleasant companion and always good-humoured when it so suited him. He was a gentleman, too, of high breeding and good birth" - Framley Parsonage.