sentences:  Shirley was suggested as a candidate for Lichfield in 1677 by Thomas Thynne, husband of his second cousin Frances, but he preferred to accept a seat in the House of Lords, the barony of Ferrers of Chartley being called out of abeyance for him in December.He was also appointed a deputy lieutenant of Staffordshire shortly thereafter.In 1683, he was appointed high steward of Stafford, replacing the Duke of Monmouth.