John Barker (died 1618) facts for kids
John Barker (born 15 March 1579 – died 30 March 1618) was an English politician. He lived during a time when England was ruled by kings and queens, and he played a part in the country's government.
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Who Was John Barker?
John Barker was born in 1579. His father was Rowland Barker, who owned land near Haughmond Abbey in Shropshire, England. His mother was Cicely Charlton.
Early Life and Education
John Barker went to Shrewsbury School to get his education. After that, he studied at University College, Oxford, where he earned a degree in 1597. He then went to Gray's Inn in 1599 to study law, which is about how laws are made and followed. When his father passed away in 1600, John took over the family's land and property.
A Career in Politics
John Barker became a Member (MP) in 1601. He represented the town of Shrewsbury in the Parliament of England. This was an important job, as Parliament helped the ruler make decisions for the country.
What is a Member of Parliament?
A Member of Parliament, or MP, is a person chosen to represent a certain area or group of people in the country's main law-making body, called Parliament. Their job is to speak for the people they represent and help create new laws or change old ones.
What is a Magistrate?
By 1608, John Barker also became a county magistrate for Shropshire. A magistrate, also known as a Justice of the Peace (J.P.), was a local official. Their role was to keep peace and order in the community and to deal with minor legal cases.
Family and Later Life
John Barker married Margaret Newport. She was the daughter of Sir Francis Newport (died 1623). John passed away in March 1618, when he was 39 years old. He died shortly after his wife was buried. John Barker was buried at St Andrew's Church, Wroxeter, in Shropshire. He and his wife did not have any children, so his land and property went to his brother.
