Peter Baker (British politician)

Peter Arthur David Baker MC MP
Baker in 1939. From My Testament, facing p. 64.
Member of Parliament for South Norfolk
In office 1950 – 1954
Preceded by	Christopher Mayhew
Succeeded by	John Hill
Personal details
Born	(1921-04-20)20 April 1921 Willesden, Middlesex
Died	14 November 1966(1966-11-14) (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
Military service
Allegiance	United Kingdom
Service/branch	British Army
Rank	Captain
Unit	Special reconnaissance
Battles/wars	Second World War Operation Overlord Operation Market Garden

Second World War

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 S^t-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.