Baker, George (c.1608–1665), clergyman, was born in St Patrick's parish, Dublin; his parents’ names are not known. Educated at TCD, he graduated BA (1629) and MA (1633), and was made a fellow of the college (1634). Ordained into the Church of Ireland, Baker was appointed (1637) rector of Armagh, Clownawle, Clonkelly, and Ballymore, becoming vicar of St Peter's, Drogheda, soon after. He became domestic chaplain to James Ussher (qv), archbishop of Armagh, to whom he was close, and in March 1641 he was appointed as the Irish clergy's agent to the king.
On the outbreak of the 1641 rebellion Baker stayed in London, where he provided and procured assistance for refugees from Ireland; he remained in London as a preacher throughout the civil wars and interregnum. He was strongly royalist; his orthodox adherence to the Book of Common Prayer attracted unwelcome attention, and in the 1650s he apparently rejected an offer of a living from Oliver Cromwell (qv). Indeed, he named two of his sons after Charles I (one being born after the death of the other). Returning to Ireland after the Restoration, he was nominated as bishop of Waterford and Lismore on 6 August 1660. The see had been vacant under the commonwealth, and on 27 January 1661 Baker was one of eleven bishops consecrated in Dublin by John Bramhall (qv). In 1661 he received the degrees of BD and DD from the University of Dublin.
Baker was reputedly energetic in his post, especially in his pastoral duties; intolerant of dissenters; and noted for his piety, praying four times a day. He personally celebrated holy communion in Waterford cathedral every Sunday, albeit with a small congregation. Despite increasing ill health, he maintained his reputation as a vigorous preacher. Baker died on 13 November 1665, and was buried in Waterford cathedral. He was succeeded in the bishopric by Hugh Gore (d. 1691).
Baker married (a.1641) Mary (maiden name unknown); they had at least three sons, one of whom, George, served as treasurer of the diocese of Waterford and Lismore.