Horatio was actively involved in the law, and in local and national politics. He was an Alderman in London. His first connection with the Court of Common Council was his election as representative of the Ward of Cheap in 1885. Four years later he became a member of the Court of Aldermen for Bishopsgate, and was soon chosen to serve as Sheriff of London and Middlesexin 1887. His name appears as an Alderman on a plaque commemorating the opening of Tower Bridge in 1894.