Arden was a staunch supporter of William Pitt and argued against the prosecution of Warren
Hastings. Later he was a member of the Commons committees of secrecy which investigated sedition in 1794 and treasonable conspiracy
in 1798.
Godwin indicates Arden’s taking up
of the appointment of master of the
rolls, in 1788 and he also mentions a
‘dispute between Pitt and Thurlow,
respecting Arden's appointment to the
rolls, terminated in favour of the former’.
There is no suggestion that Godwin
had personal contact with Arden.
