Peter Baker (British politician)
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Peter Arthur David Baker MC MP |
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Baker in 1939. From My Testament, facing p. 64.
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| Member of Parliament for South Norfolk |
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In office 1950 – 1954 |
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| Preceded by | Christopher Mayhew |
| Succeeded by | John Hill |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
20 April 1921 Willesden, Middlesex |
| Died | 14 November 1966 (aged 45) Eastbourne, East Sussex |
| Nationality | British |
| Political party | Conservative |
| Spouse(s) | Gloria Mae Heaton-Armstrong |
| Children | 2 |
| Residence | Brook House, Pulham St Mary, Norfolk |
| Alma mater | Eastbourne College |
| Occupation | Soldier, publisher, author, politician |
| Religion | Anglican |
| Awards |
 Military Cross
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| Military service | |
| Allegiance |
 United Kingdom
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| Service/branch |
 British Army
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| Rank | Captain |
| Unit | Special reconnaissance |
| Battles/wars | |
Peter Arthur David Baker MC (20 April 1921 – 14 November 1966) was a British soldier, author, publisher and Conservative politician who served as a member of parliament (MP) for South Norfolk. He is chiefly remembered as the last Member of Parliament to be expelled from the House of Commons. and as the inspiration behind the eccentric character of publisher Martin York in Muriel Spark's novel A Far Cry From Kensington
Baker's arrest and trial received extensive media coverage from both the British and the International press.
Baker was born 20 April 1921 in Willesden, north west London. He was the son of Major Reginald Poynton Baker (1896–1985) of Loddenden Manor, Staplehurst, Kent, and his first wife Gwendolyn Emily Christabel Baker née Webb (1897–1962). Baker's father later became a successful movie producer based at Ealing Studios. Baker tried to create a fictional connection with the Tudor Bakers of Sissinghurst Castle, Kent, whose members included Sir John Baker, a Chancellor of the Exchequer and Speaker of the House of Commons in the 16th century; Sir Richard Baker, an author who was also a Member of Parliament; Sir Samuel White Baker, the discoverer of Lake Albert; and his younger brother, Valentine Baker, a famous soldier who also spent some time in Wormwood Scrubs Prison.
Baker made another bogus claim, mentioning in his memoirs that St. Luke's Chapel, otherwise known as St-Mary-in-the-Marsh and situated inside Norwich Cathedral, had been the site since 1586 of his family weddings and christenings. In fact, it was only used on one occasion by his ancestors, in June 1744 for a quiet wedding. Nevertheless, this Lady chapel was chosen by Baker as the venue for his youngest daughter's christening.
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