Canon Patrick Palmer (1869-1948)
Canon Patrick Palmer, the priest who gave his name to Canon Palmer School, spent 50 years between 1896 and 1946 helping transform the Catholic faith and church in Ilford. He was responsible for the building of the first permanent church on Ilford High Road in 1899, and later next to it the Guildhall Catholic club in 1925. He was also responsible for the building of the churches in Manor Park and Barkingside. He built the first Catholic school in Ilford on the High street opening in 1900, later followed by Saint Winifred’s school in Manor Park.