He was born in a log cabin in Tennessee, USA, to which his parents had emigrated. On their return to England, he was sent to Lucton School, Herefordshire, and then entered the family business as a cattle and sheep breeder, as well as becoming an auctioneer and land agent.
He was active in the National Farmers Union and after being elected a Conservative MP in 1945 he became a Conservative spokesman on agriculture. He was knighted in 1958. He served as member for Leominster from 1945 until 1959. At one time he was a Deputy Lieutenant of Herefordshire. He died at his home in Tenbury Wells, Worcestershire.