Barker was born in 1579, son of Rowland Barker (died 1600) of Haughmond Abbey, Shropshire, and his first wife Cicely, daughter of Andrew Charlton of Apley Castle, Shropshire.
He was educated at Shrewsbury School and University College, Oxford, where he graduated as B.A.
[1] He was a member (MP) of the parliament of England for Shrewsbury in 1601, and became a county magistrate (J.P.) for Shropshire by 1608.
[1] Barker married Margaret, daughter of Sir Francis Newport (died 1623) of High Ercall.
He died 12 days after his wife's burial in March 1618 aged 39 and was buried at St Andrew's Church, Wroxeter, Shropshire.