There
have been Palmers in Soham continuously since at least the middle of
the 14th Century. The Court Rolls of Edward lll (1327- 1377) and
Richard ll (1377- 1399) are some of the earliest sources. It is then
possible to trace them through wills, parish registers and
other
sources right up to the start of civil registration and the census
returns. A look at the telephone directory shows they are there to this
day.
The
family in this photograph shows George Palmer (born 1839) and Rachel
Palmer nee’ Watson with four of their children standing behind them.
(Back row l to r) Robert (1874) Elizabeth, Bertha and Albert. The
family were all born on Burnt Fen between Prickwillow and Soham. George
was the son of Robert Palmer who was born in Soham, probably on Qua
Fen, in 1793. Their particular Palmer line can be traced with some
certainty in Soham to at least the late 17th Century. This picture was
taken in Essex after George and Rachel moved there after 1901.
This
picture of three men in military uniform shows three of
George
Palmer’s sons and was taken around the time of the Boer War. From left
to right they are William, Robert and Albert. The uniforms are of the
Suffolk Militia (Ely).
Russ Palmer is descended from George and Rachel through his
grandfather, their son Robert.
Article & Photo's Kindly Submitted by Russell Palmer
