Francis Barnes (philosopher)

Francis Barnes (13 January 1744 - 1 May 1838) was an English philosopher and a Knightbridge Professor of Philosophy.

Barnes was born in Bolton-by-the-Sands in Lancashire the son of Joseph Barnes a yeoman farmer. He attended local schools at Kellett and Silverdale, but his teachers noticed his abilities and he won a place at Eton. His family were not wealthy and it was said that he travelled to Eton seated behind his father on one of the farm's horses. After finishing his schooling he went up to King's College, Cambridge. He graduated in 1764 at the age of twenty.

Barnes then took a BD and DD at Cambridge in preparation for a career in the church. He was ordained in 1769 and held various livings in Norwich and Wattisham, Suffolk.

In 1788 Barnes became Vice-Chancellor of Cambridge University as well as Master of Peterhouse, Cambridge. His appointment was highly contentious. It was said by a Peterhouse Fellow that he was unsuited to "any duty which required the exercise of high notions of morality, and a careful regard to what is just, decent, and venerable". Barnes also had the distinction of being last wearer of the eighteenth century wig in Cambridge University

In 1813 Barnes was elected to the Knightbridge Professorship of Moral Philosophy. As with his appointment to Master of Peterhouse, this election was the subject of controversy. There were four electors for the vacant Professorship: the Vice-Chancellor, the Regius and the Lady Margaret Professors of Divinity, and the Master of Peterhouse. The casting vote belonged to the last of these if the vote was split. Barnes, as well as being Master of Peterhouse, was Vice-Chancellor. As Vice-Chancellor, Barnes nominated himself for the Professorship; as Master of Peterhouse he seconded himself. And by two original votes and a casting vote, all given by himself, Francis Barnes became elected Professor. He refused to give lectures.

Barnes died in 1838 at the age of 95. He was buried in the chapel at Peterhouse.