He was the third son of Ralph Dacre, 1st Baron Dacre and his wife Margaret de Multon, 2nd Baroness Multon of Gilsland, with two older brothers (William and Thomas) and one younger brother (Hugh).

He was placed as the rector of the church of Prescot in 1346 (while still several months below canonical age), and was confirmed in this position in 1350 by Pope Clement VI.

He is mentioned as "parson of Prescot" in visitation pedigrees, and he retained his position as rector until shortly before his death in 1375, when he resigned in favour of John Fairfax.

His time as baron was turbulent, with a particularly violent feud developing that would ultimately claim his life.

In 1373, Nicholas Harrington led an armed party against Dacre's lands that caused extensive damage, including the destruction of buildings and the theft of cattle and other valuables.