Edward Palmer (c.1555–1624) was a gentleman with antiquarian interests from Gloucestershire, England. During his life he was known for his extensive collection, notably of Roman coins: William Camden called him "a curious and diligent Antiquarie". He is perhaps best remembered for his purchase of the then unnamed Garrett Island in the American colony of Virginia (present day Maryland), which he designated for the establishment of what would have been the first university in the English colonies.