John Baker (died 1558)

John Baker (died 1558) was an English politician and lawyer who served as Chancellor of the Exchequer during the reign of Queen Mary I.

Baker was born into a Kentish family. He trained as a lawyer and became Recorder of London in 1545. He was elected Member of Parliament for Stamford in 1542, for Huntingdonshire in 1545, and for Bramber in 1547.

Under Edward VI, Baker was a moderate reformer, but he aligned himself with Mary I upon her accession to the throne in 1553. His loyalty was rewarded with appointments to the Privy Council and as Chancellor of the Exchequer, a post he held until his death. He was also Speaker of the House of Commons in 1553.

During Mary's reign, Baker was instrumental in the restoration of Catholicism and the persecution of Protestants. He played a significant role in the trials of prominent Protestants, including Thomas Cranmer, Nicholas Ridley, and Hugh Latimer.

John Baker died in December 1558, shortly after Queen Mary's death. His will reveals considerable wealth, largely accumulated during his time in public service. He was succeeded as Chancellor of the Exchequer by Sir Edward Waldegrave. His legacy remains controversial, marked by both his administrative skills and his role in the Marian persecutions.