Background
Baker was the son of George Baker, a surgeon and medical practitioner of Canterbury. His father left him a considerable fortune which he enlarged by marriage.
Baker was the son of George Baker, a surgeon and medical practitioner of Canterbury. His father left him a considerable fortune which he enlarged by marriage.
The family had long lived in Canterbury. He lived at Hawkhurst Lodge, in the Weald of Kent, and became one of the largest hop-planters in the district. Later he established the Union Bank at Canterbury and moved to Street Stephen"s, near there.
He became active in local politics and was Sheriff of Canterbury for 1786-1787.
He headed the poll with 774 votes but the election was declared void on petition under the provisions of the Treating Acting. At the second election in March 1797 he again had a majority of votes, "although not one public-house had been opened in their interest, nor a single cockade distributed".
However a protest was entered against the eligibility of the two elected MPs and the sitting members were re-instated. In 1802 Baker was elected Member of Parliament for Canterbury without opposition.
He was returned again at the general elections of 1806, 1807, and 1812, and retired at that of 1818.
In politics he was always a consistent Whig. He was also appointed lieutenant-colonel of the Canterbury volunteers in 1803. Baker died at Canterbury, aged 76.
He was considered one of the best gentlemen billiard players in the county and excelled even more at whist.
Baker married Jane Tattershall, eldest daughter of the Review James Tattersall, Rector of Saint Paul"s Covent-garden.
2nd United Kingdom Parliament. 3rd United Kingdom Parliament. 4th United Kingdom Parliament.
5th United Kingdom Parliament.
18th Parliament of Great Britain]
In 1796, Baker was elected Member of Parliament for Canterbury on what was called the independent interest.
