Dates

• Existence: 1634 - 1705

Biography

Roger Palmer, Earl of Castlemaine (1634-1705), diplomat and author, was the eldest son of Sir James Palmer of Hayes, Middlesex, and Dorney Court, Buckinghamshire, by his second wife, Catherine, daughter of Sir William Herbert, K.B. Palmer was born at Dorney Court on 3 September 1634, and educated at Eton and King's College, Cambridge, which he entered on 25 March 1652. He was admitted a student at the Inner Temple in 1656, but was not called to the bar. In 1661 he was made Earl of Castlemaine, co. Kenny. Castlemaine was a member of the small cabal of Catholics who formed James II's secret council, and was selected by the king as his ambassador when he decided to establish overt relations with the papacy. Castlemaine left England in February 1686 on his mission to Pope Innocent XI. He returned to London in August 1687, and was given a place on the privy council. He died at Oswestry on 21 July 1705.

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