In 1887 he was created a Lord of Appeal in Ordinary as Baron Macnaghten, of Runkerry in the County of Antrim. Both the sixth and seventh Baronets were killed in the First World War. Also William Hay Macnaghten was created a Baronet on 1840, but the Baronetcy became extinct upon his murder.
In 1887, he was appointed to the position of Lord of Appeal in Ordinary with the title Baron Macnaghten. Both the sixth and seventh baronets were killed during World War I. Furthermore, William Hay Macnaghten received a baronetcy in 1840 but his lineage ended upon his death.