 Between 17 March 1851, and 11 Feb, 1852, he partnered Hiram Williams as a Civil Mineral Engineer, Agent, and Surveyor and, together, they reported on the Hafod-y-Llan and Sygun mines in Snowdonia for a prospective buyer.He later entered Trinity College, Cambridge at the age of 25.Between 1874 and 1886, Noel was Liberal member of Parliament for the Scottish seat of Dumfries Burghs.