 In the meantime, upon the death of his uncle, the Earl Ligonier, in 1770, he became Viscount Ligonier of Clonmel, which title had been created with a special remainder to him and inherited Cobham Park.He was promoted major general in 1775 and lieutenant general in 1777.On 19 July 1776, he was created Earl Ligonier, of Clonmel, in the Peerage of Ireland.