Edward Elgar and his wife In his father's lifetime, as Lord Ashley, he was a disappointing heir apparent, constantly running up debts with his extravagant wife. Death Lord Shaftesbury committed suicide, on 13 April 1886, six months after succeeding to the title. He shot himself with a revolver while in a cab in Regent Street, London. References External links 1831 births 1886 deaths Deputy Lieutenants of Dorset 8 Ashley-Cooper, Anthony British politicians who committed suicide British military personnel who committed suicide Suicides in Westminster Queen's Own Dorset Yeomanry officers Ashley-Cooper, Anthony Ashley-Cooper, Anthony Shaftesbury, E8 Anthony British Militia officers Liberal Party (UK) MPs for English constituencies Members of Parliament for Cricklade