John Barnardiston (c. 1719 – 17 June 1778) was an English clergyman and librarian. Born in London c. 1719, he was the son of George Barnardiston, a lawyer who was a member of the Middle Temple. Growing up, Barnardiston studied at Tonbridge School, which awarded him an exhibition to study at Corpus Christi College, Cambridge as a sizar in 1737. He studied at the University of Cambridge for seven years, being awarded a Bachelor of Arts in 1741 and a Master of Arts in 1744. In the next year, Barnardiston became a fellow of Corpus Christi College and continued to hold that position until 1759.
On 17 April 1760, Barnardiston married Hester Powell. 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. On 17 June 1778, he died at Corpus Christi College.[1]
