 On 1 December 1827 Talboys was admitted to the privileges of a member of Oxford University.He took a leading part in the affairs of the city of Oxford, was a councillor of the east ward, and served the office of sheriff.After the election of 1835, Talboys was seen as the leader of the radical reformers in Oxford municipal affairs; together with Charles Sadler, a moderate reformer, he was able to make some changes in charity organisation.