Sir Sidney Barton (26 November 1876 – 20 January 1946) was a British barrister and diplomat, serving as consul-general in Shanghai and as minister to Ethiopia.

When the Boxer Rebellion erupted in 1900 culminating in the siege of the foreign legations, Barton took part in the Eight-Nation Alliance relief efforts as an interpreter and assistant political officer and was awarded the China War Medal for his actions.

Barton was known as being "notoriously pro-settler"[8] despite being awarded the Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire (KBE) on 3 July 1926[9] following his efforts to calm tensions after the May 30 Movement of 1925.

Barton found himself frustrated by the lack of assistance given to Ethiopia in the face of Italian aggression and worked to ensure that the Emperor and his family were able to safely escape to exile.

[13] For his efforts during the war Foreign Secretary Sir Anthony Eden stated to the House of Commons on 4 May 1936 that his "conduct of affairs throughout has been beyond all praise"[14] and on 7 May King Edward VIII sent a personal message to Barton expressing his "appreciation of the manner in which he discharged his responsibilities for the interests of British nationals and other foreign nationals in Abyssinia, who have sought his protection during the period of difficulty and trying experiences of recent days.