palgrave is considered the founder of the public record office. in 1834 he succeeded john caley as the keeper of the records in the chapter house of westminster abbey, in which were stored the ancient records of the exchequer (including domesday book), as well as various parliamentary records. from this appointment emerged another important editorial work for the record commission, "the ancient kalendars and inventories of the treasury of his majesty's exchequer" (3 volumes, 1836). in 1838 he was appointed deputy keeper of the new public record office, holding that position until his death. in this position, he issued a series of 22 annual reports.