Peerage
Robert Palk was made a baronet on 19 June 1782 during the reign of King George III. This was in recognition of his efforts in securing India for Britain. His coat of arms portrayed an eagle displayed and the crest had a semi-terrestrial globe of the northern hemisphere with an eagle rising from it, supported by two Asian Indians in loincloths and turbans. The family motto was Deo Ducente meaning ‘God is my Guide’. This was followed by the Mayor of Exeter adding him to the centuries-old roll of the City of Exeter Freemen, a privilege that his son and successive heirs retained until 1883.
With Anne, he had a son Lawrence, whose godfather was General Stringer Lawrence; and three daughters, Anne, Catherine and Emelia. Both Catherine and Emelia died young, while Anne who had married Sir Bourchier Wrey, 7th Baronet in 1786, died at the age of 24.
Sir Robert Palk died at Haldon House on 29 April 1798, ten years after his wife Lady Anne. They were both buried in Dunchideock church.
Palk Bay and the stretch of sea between India and Sri Lanka, The Palk Straits, were named after Robert Palk. A range of hills near Madras, the Palkonda Hills, were also named after him.
The Palk Arms in the village of Hennock Devon is the only pub to be named after him.
Read more about this topic: Robert Palk