The family lived at Brigden Place in Bexley in Kent and Arbuthnot was educated at Rugby School.[3] Whilst at Rugby he played cricket in the school XI.[2]
Business career
After leaving school Arbuthnot spent an extended time in India on business working for the family firm as well as working in England as a coffee broker. He was a member of the Madras Legislative Council in 1891–1892.[2][4][3] The firm failed "spectacularly" in 1906, although Arbuthnot was wealthy enough to continue to live in London without needing to work.[2]
Cricket
Arbuthnot played cricket twice for Kent. His first-class debut came in 1881 and, after time in India, his second appearance was in 1890.[1][2][4] He played non first-class cricket for a range of teams, including MCC, Blackheath Cricket Club and Madras Cricket Club.[5]
Later life and family
Arbuthnot died suddenly of heart failure in 1917 aged 64 leaving an estate worth over £14,000. His nephew, Hugh Spottiswoode, also played two first-class matches for Kent.[1][2]