Sir Roger Palmer, 5th Baronet facts for kids

Sir Roger William Henry Palmer (born 1832, died 1910) was an important figure in British history. He was a high-ranking officer in the British Army. He also served as a politician in the United Kingdom. He represented the area of Mayo in Ireland as a Member of Parliament (MP). Sir Roger was the last person to hold the title of Palmer Baronet of Castle Lackin. This family owned a lot of land, about 115,000 acres! They also owned several large houses. These included Kenure House in County Dublin, Castle Lackin in Mayo, Cefn Park in Wrexham, and Glenisland House in Maidenhead.

Sir Roger Palmer, drawn by a famous artist named Spy in 1880.

Early Life and Family

Sir Roger was the son of Sir William Henry Roger Palmer. His great-grandfather, also named Sir Roger Palmer, was a Member of Parliament for Portarlington. This was in the Irish Parliament from 1768 to 1783. Sir Roger had one sister, Ellen. She married Archie Peel, who was the nephew of a UK Prime Minister. Roger went to a famous school called Eton College. After school, he decided to join the Army.

Military Career

Sir Roger Palmer had an exciting military career. He fought in the Crimean War. This war happened in 1854. He was part of a famous group called the 11th Hussars. He even took part in the well-known event called the Charge of the Light Brigade. This was a very brave, but also very dangerous, cavalry charge.

In 1856, he moved to another group called the 2nd Life Guards. He served with them until 1870. He officially retired from active duty in 1881. Later, in 1891, he was given the important role of colonel for the 20th Hussars. He held this position until he passed away in 1910.

Political Life

Sir Roger Palmer was also involved in politics. He was a Member of Parliament (MP) for Mayo. He represented the Conservative Party. He served in this role from 1857 until 1865. An MP is someone elected to represent a group of people in the country's parliament.

In 1869, he inherited his father's title. In the same year, he built Glen Island House. This house was on an island in the River Thames near Taplow. In 1888, he held the important local position of High Sheriff of Mayo.

Glen Island House, Taplow, which Sir Roger built.

Legacy

When Sir Roger Palmer died in 1910, his property changed hands. Kenure Park went to Colonel Roderick Henry Fenwick-Palmer. Sir Roger had married Gertrude Millicent. She was the daughter of Reverend Plumer Rooper. Gertrude lived until 1929, outliving her husband.