Born in Staffordshire, Bagot commenced a distinguished career in the diplomatic service of Great Britain in 1807. As ambassador to the United States he signed the important Rush-Bagot Convention of 1818 limiting naval armaments on the Great Lakes. In 1842 he assumed the office of Governor General of Canada. Although the principle of responsible government had not yet been conceded, an executive council, which he believed to have the confidence of the assembly, was chosen under his administration.