Barry R. Clarke (born 14 March 1959) is a British puzzle designer.
Born in Llanwrtyd Wells, Wales, to English parents, he was educated at Heckmondwike Grammar School, West Yorkshire. In 1984, he obtained a Master of Science degree by thesis in theoretical physics from the University of Hull and published papers on perturbation methods in quantum mechanics. He has written and directed several award-winning short films and his comedy sketches have appeared on both BBC and ITV.
In 2006 he self-published the results of his investigation into the Shakespearean authorship question.
As well as writing a regular puzzle column for The Daily Telegraph, his puzzle work has been featured on BBC TV Mindgames, and he has published several books of original puzzles.