The Allen Deeds

The collection consists of letters and miscellaneous papers, including 17th century documents and notes made by John Taylor Allen in the 19th century.

John Taylor Allen (1784-1861) was the son of James Allen, a hatter and hose maunufacturer of Salford. Allen matriculated at Brazenoze College, Oxford on 15th April, 1801 (BA 1805, MA 1807), and was ordained deacon in 1811 and priest the following year (both by the Bishop of Chester).

He was appointed Librarian of Chetham's Library on the 20th March 1812. During his period as Librarian, he attempted to arrange and preserve a collection of deeds belonging to the Library's collection found in a garret in his apartment at Chetham's Hospital about 1813 or 1814. Unfortunately, a large number of papers were retained in Allen's hands after his departure from Chetham's, and these were only recovered in 1885. His plan to write a life of Chetham never materialised.

Allen resigned as Librarian on 1st October 1821. In 1823 he was incumbent of High Leigh, Cheshire, and chaplain to John White, High Sheriff of Cheshire. In 1826 he moved to Clitheroe, Lancashire, as incumbent and also as Master of the Grammar School. In 1841 he became vicar of Stradbrook, Suffolk, with an income of £1,140 pa.

Allen married Mary Eleanora, daughter of Rev Thomas Drake of Rochdale, Lancashire. He died 12 Aug 1861.

Arranged in 2 series: Letters concerning Humphrey Chetham's second appointment as High Sheriff and Miscellaneous Papers.

There are no restrictions on access to this collection. Viewing is by prior appointment. Please contact archivist@chethams.org.uk.

No further accruals are expected.