John Barnardiston 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.