Palmer, William (1538-01-01 - 1605-10-23)

William Palmer was born in Nottinghamshire and matriculated from Jesus College, Cambridge in 1555 before transferring to Pembroke, whence he graduated B.A. in 1559/60. Briefly serving as a fellow of Pembroke, he proceeded M.A. at St. John's in 1563, B.D. in 1571, and D.D. in 1598. Chaplain to Bishop Grindal, Palmer advanced quickly in the Church with Grindal's favour. He served as vicar of Trumpington (Cambs) from 1564-7, rector of St. Lawrence Jewry from 1566-70, rector of St. Michael Bassishaw from 1569-72, rector of Kirk Deighton from 1670-8, and rector of Wheldrake from 1577-1605. He was appointed to a prebend of York in 1570, resigning in 1571 when he was made chancellor of York Minster; he was also appointed to the prebend of Southwell in 1575. Palmer was renowned for his evangelical sermons and was often called upon to confer with Catholic prisoners and encourage their conversion. He married Anna Taylor during his time in London, with whom he had seven children. Palmer died on 23 October 1605 and was buried in the south choir aisle of York Minster.