Hello List Thomas William Palmer (1846 - 1917) was a butcher working in the family business in Drury Lane and then in New Street, Covent Garden. My mother said that he had a very unhappy love affair and was sent to Russia for a year to get over it. He was apparently working in the employ of the Tsar of Russia. In what capacity, I have no idea. Also I have no idea how this contact might have been made. He appears on the 1851 census, but I can't see him on the 1861.Too young to be on his way to Russia, I'd have thought. He is on subsequent censuses. Has anyone any idea as to which port he might have sailed from? Any ideas about St Petersburg? Some years ago I tried a St Petersburg website, but was quickly swamped by so-called genealogists wanting to charge me a fortune. Any information would be very welcome. David