There is no safe entry for large ships but small craft can gain access from three boat passages. The island is subject to very strong winds, particularly in January and February. The island was then uninhabited. Cook named the island in honor of the First Lord of the Admiralty, Lord Palmerston. He shortly added a third wife and from this harem he propagated a large family and settled in firmly as virtual king and autocrat of the community until his death in 1899.
Masters is said to have originated from Gloucestershire, or possibly, Birmingham.
All the islanders spoke excellent English with a distinct Gloucestershire accent. Two years after he died disputes rose about the succession of the leader. The British Resident at Rarotonga , Colonel W.E. Gudgeon, in 1901 appointed William's eldest son, Joel, agent to the British Resident and Magistrate for the island. Palmerston has no airport or airline services.