Born of a prominent Worcestershire family, Pakington was educated at Eton and Oxford before becoming a Conservative member of parliament for Droitwich in 1837. He was Secretary of State for War and the Colonies in Derby's 1852 government; and First Lord of the Admiralty in Derby's 1858 and 1866-67 governments. When Disraeli succeeded Derby in 1867 Pakington moved back to the War Office. He was created Baron Hampton in 1874.