Richard Baker (chronicler) facts for kids

Sir Richard Baker (born around 1568 – died February 18, 1645) was an English politician, historian, and writer on religious topics. He is best known for writing the Chronicle of the Kings of England.

Who Was Sir Richard Baker?

Sir Richard Baker was born in Sissinghurst, Kent, around 1568. His father was John Baker, and his mother was Katherine Scott. Richard's grandfather, also named John Baker, was an important government official called the first Chancellor of the Exchequer. Richard also had a younger brother named Thomas.

Richard Baker's Life Journey

Richard Baker started studying at Hart Hall, Oxford, in 1584. He left the university without getting a degree. After that, he studied law in London and traveled around Europe.

Becoming a Member of Parliament

In 1593, Richard Baker was chosen to be a Member of Parliament for Arundel. This meant he helped make laws for the country. In 1594, Oxford University gave him a special Master of Arts degree. Then, in 1597, he was elected to Parliament again, this time representing East Grinstead.

Knighted by the King

King James I made Richard Baker a knight in 1603. This gave him the title "Sir." In 1620, he served as the high sheriff for Oxfordshire, where he owned some land.

Facing Hard Times

Richard Baker married Margaret Mainwaring. Sadly, he got into serious money trouble because he took on debts from his wife's family. This caused him to lose his land in Oxfordshire in 1625. By 1635, he had no money left and had to go to the Fleet Prison, which was a prison for people who owed money. He stayed there until he died on February 18, 1645. He was buried in a church in London.

Richard Baker's Family

Around 1600, Richard Baker married Margaret Mainwaring (who died in 1654). They had three sons and four daughters:

• Sir Thomas Baker, born in 1602. He married Frances Wilford and they had eight children.
• Mainwaring, born in 1603.
• Arthur (died in 1644), who was a lawyer.
• Anne, born in 1607.
• Margaret.
• Cecily.
• Frances, who married Robert Smith in 1645.

What Did Richard Baker Write?

While he was in prison, Richard Baker spent most of his time writing. His most famous book is the Chronicle of the Kings of England. This book covered the history of English kings from Roman times up to the death of King James I. It was first published in 1643.

Popular but Not Always Accurate

The Chronicle was very popular for many years. It was even translated into Dutch in 1649. Later, another writer, Edward Phillips, added more to the book, bringing the history up to 1658. However, historians today know that the Chronicle has many mistakes, so it's not considered a very reliable history book.

Other Writings

Richard Baker also wrote several other books, including:

• Cato Variegatus (1636), which was his translation and explanation of moral sayings.
• Meditations on the Lord’s Prayer (1637).
• Apologie for Laymen’s Writing in Divinity (1641), where he defended ordinary people writing about religious topics.
• Motives for Prayer upon the seaven dayes of ye weeke (1642).
• Theatrum Redivivum, or The Theatre Vindicated (1642), which was a response to another writer who criticized plays.

He also wrote meditations on some of the psalms from the Bible.