Thomas was educated at Rugby and Oxford University and became a first grade cricketer. In 1885 he married Mabel Laura Payne who was the daughter of Sir Salusbury Gillies Payne. Unfortunately she died in childbirth three years later in 1888. In 1892 Thomas inherited Harlaxton Manor and moved there with his son Philip. When Philip went to Eton he lived there with a large number of servants including a valet. He became involved in local affairs and was Chairman of Grantham Rural District Council. His obituary said that ""he was keenly interested in angling and shooting and in the latter was considered one of the best shots in England of his time."" A picture of him smoking a pipe with one of his shotguns is shown.