In 1870 Hodgson returned to England, settled at Clopton House near Stratford-upon-Avon, of which town he became mayor, and took much interest in the Shakespearian memorials there, and also in the volunteer movement. Hodgson served as High Sheriff of Warwickshire in 1881, as mayor of Stratford from 1883–1888, as well as high steward of the borough from 1884–1889. He represented Queensland at various European exhibitions, and did useful work in helping to develop the Queensland trade in meat and other products. Hodgson was created Companion (CMG) of the Order of St Michael and St George in 1878, and Knight Commander (KCMG) in that Order in 1886 for services in representing Queensland in the exhibitions of Vienna (1873), Paris (1878) and London (1886).