Nicholas Barrington

Sir
Nicholas Barrington
KCMG CVO
British High Commissioner to Pakistan
In office
1989–1994
British Ambassador to Pakistan
In office
1987–1989
British Ambassador to Iran
In office
1981–1983
Personal details
BornNicholas John Barrington
(1934-07-23) 23 July 1934 (age 92)
Essex, United Kingdom
EducationRepton School
Clare College, Cambridge
ProfessionDiplomat
Military service
Branch/service British Army

Nicholas John Barrington (born 23 July 1934) is a British diplomat and author, who served as the British Ambassador to Iran from 1981 to 1983 and the British High Commissioner to Pakistan from 1987 to 1994.

Early life and education

Nicholas John Barrington was born on 23 July 1934 in Essex, to Eric Alan Barrington and Mildred (née Bill).

He was educated at Repton School and served two years National service before attending Clare College, Cambridge.

Diplomatic career

After graduating from Cambridge, Nicholas joined the diplomatic service. He began his career in 1957 and travelled to the remote areas of Afghanistan in the 1960s. He was described as the "Ringmaster of the Summit" by The Times in 1984, for organising the 10th G7 summit at the Lancaster House.

On 2 October 1989 Barrington became the High Commissioner to Pakistan as the country rejoined the Commonwealth. In September 1991 he accompanied Diana, Princess of Wales during her visit to Pakistan, which he had suggested and planned.

Awards and honours

Barrington was elected an honorary fellow of Clare College, Cambridge, in 1992.

The Pakistani government awarded him the Sitara-e-Quaid-e-Azam for services to Pakistan, in 2007.

Personal life

Barrington remained a lifelong bachelor.

References

  1. 1 2 "The Kipling Journal" (PDF). The Kipling Society. September 2003. p. 33.
  2. ↑ "Barrington, Sir Nicholas (John)". Who's Who. A & C Black. 1 December 2025. (Subscription or UK public library membership required.)
  3. ↑ Nicholas Barrington (17 December 2013). "Nicholas Meets Barrington: The Personal Journey of a Former Diplomat". Bloomsbury Publishing.
  4. 1 2 3 "Man in the News; Britain's Logistical Ringmaster: Nicholas John Barrington". The New York Times. 9 June 1984.
  5. ↑ "Barrington" (PDF). indiran.org. October 2016.
  6. ↑ "Ringmaster of the summit". The Times. 7 June 1984.
  7. ↑ "Pakistan slips back quietly into Commonwealth". The Jordan Times. 2 October 1989.
  8. ↑ Neal, Rome (August 26, 2002). "Diana Continues To Fascinate". CBS News.
  9. ↑ "A Princess In Pakistan". diplomatmagzine.com. 1 May 2014.
  10. ↑ "Honorary Fellows". Clare College. Retrieved 23 October 2026.
  11. ↑ "137 Pakistanis, 17 foreigners get civil awards". Dawn. Islamabad. 15 August 2007.
  12. ↑ F. S. Aijazuddin (20 June 2014). "A man of many parts". The Friday Times.