Sir Robert Barker, 1st Baronet facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir Robert Barker, Bt
|
|
|---|---|
| Born | 1732 |
| Died | 14 September 1789 |
| Allegiance |  Kingdom of Great Britain |
| Service/ |
British Army |
| Rank | Brigadier-General |
| Commands held | British Indian Army |
| Battles/wars | Seven Years' War |
Sir Robert Barker (born 1732, died 1789) was an important officer in the British Army. He was also a politician who worked in the British government. He served as a Brigadier-General, which is a high rank in the army. From 1770 to 1773, he was the top military leader in India.
Contents
Sir Robert Barker: A British Officer
Early Life and Military Adventures
Robert Barker was born in 1732. His father was also named Robert Barker. In 1749, when he was about 17, Robert Barker traveled to India.
He became a skilled soldier. In 1757, during a big war called the Seven Years' War, he led the artillery. Artillery means the large guns and cannons used in battles. He helped capture a place called Chandannagar. He also played a part in the famous Battle of Plassey.
Later, in 1762, he went on a military trip to Manila in the Philippines. For his achievements, he was made a knight in 1764. This meant he could use "Sir" before his name.
Leading in India
Two years later, Sir Robert Barker went back to India. His job was to help protect a local ruler called the Nawab wazir of Oudh.
In 1769, he became the Commander-in-Chief, India. This made him the highest-ranking British military officer in India. He also became the main commander in Bengal.
However, he made some decisions that went beyond his authority. He promised that the East India Company would support a treaty. He also prepared for a possible attack from the Maratha Empire. Because of these actions, he resigned from his position in 1773.
Life After the Army
After leaving his military role in India, Sir Robert Barker returned to England. In 1774, he became a member of parliament for a place called Wallingford. This meant he was elected to the House of Commons, which is part of the British government.
In 1775, he was chosen to be a Fellow of the Royal Society. This is a special honor for people who have made important discoveries in science. In 1781, he was given another special title: a baronet. This meant he became "Sir Robert Barker, 1st Baronet." His skills as an officer earned him the respect of other important figures, like Lord Clive.
Family Life
In 1780, Sir Robert Barker married a woman named Anne Hallows. They did not have any children. They lived in a place called Bushbridge, which was near Godalming in Surrey, England.
His Writings
Besides his military and political work, Sir Robert Barker also wrote articles. He wrote about "Thermometrical Observations," which are notes about temperature. He also wrote about his "Voyage from Madras to England" in 1774.
He described "The Process of Making Ice in the East Indies." This was interesting because making ice was not common in hot countries back then. He also wrote about an "Observatory of the Brahmins at Benares." These writings were published in a scientific journal called the Philosophical Transactions.
