The Palmer Family
On the 4th of June 1837, a handsome young gentleman named Garwood Burton Palmer opened a small linens and drapery shop in Great Yarmouth Market Place. Seven years later Garwood's younger brother Nathaniel Benjamin joined the business and soon became a full partner. Although unfortunate Nathaniel died at the tender age of 38 he left two sons, Edward Ernest and James Hurry, to carry on the Palmer name. By 1876 both had joined the family trade and business was booming due to the fine merchandise and high quality finish.
When the founder died in 1888 Nathaniel's sons were left in charge of the business which became better known as 'Palmer Bros'. The brothers were well known in Great Yarmouth and their friendly disposition was said to be infectious. After James died his son, Percival Hurry Palmer, joined the business and worked his way up to become the Manager. Under Percy's reign Palmers was expanded and the original building was rebuilt with a new tower. Percy's son-in-law, Graham Sturrock, became a member of the team in 1947 and he took over as Chairman of the Board when Percy died in 1960. By 1971 the company had increased drastically in size and success so Graham enlisted the expertise of his son Bruce who then took over as Managing Director in 1983. In 1993 Bruce took over as Chairman and in the same year he recruited his sister, Wendy Cole, as Fashion Director; qualified with 10 years working as a buyer for Bloomingdales in America.
The family continues to grow as, over 170 years after the first opening, both Bruce and Wendy's children (Garwood's Great, Great, Great, Great Nieces and Nephews) are also involved in the business. The family link is reinforced by the people who have worked for Palmers for many years and have become part of the family. Thanks to the whole family Palmers is now a well established full-line department store, also expanding into the realms of the World Wide Web by presenting www.TheLinenDepartment.co.uk - our first transactional website.
