John Barnardiston

Born in London c. 1719, he was the son of George Barnardiston, a lawyer who was a member of the Middle Temple.

In the next year, Barnardiston became a fellow of Corpus Christi College and continued to hold that position until 1759.

In 1751, Barnardiston served as the reverend of Brinkley, Cambridgeshire; three years later, he was appointed the vicar of Stow cum Quy.

He was further appointed as the vicar of St Bene't's Church, Cambridge in 1758 and the reverend of Fulmodeston and Thurning, Norfolk from 1759 to 1778.

In 1764, he was appointed as the master and vice-chancellor of Corpus Christi College, holding both offices until the end of his life; five years later, Barndistan began serving as the University of Cambridge's principal librarian.