Joseph Allen

Joseph Allen M.D. (ca. 1714 – 10 January 1796) was an eighteenth century physician, surgeon on Lord Anson's circumnavigation of the world, and Master of the College of God's Gift in Dulwich.

Lord Anson's circumnavigation Joseph Allen was born in Ireland in around 1714. He was not in the post for much beyond two years before the master of the college, James Allen died on 28 October 1746. Joseph, by virtue of his position as Warden, immediately became master.

He vacated the office of Master on 21 June 1775 in order to marry a widow, Elizabeth Plaw (marriage at that time being prohibited for the master of the college, in adherence with Alleyn's statutes).

Later life On his retirement, his portrait was painted by George Romney, and this is still in the possession of Dulwich College. After his wife's death in 1781 he lived a further 15 years, dying on 10 January 1796 following a few days' illness. He was 82 and was long believed to be the last known survivor of those who had accompanied Lord Anson. In his will he left £500 to the Asylum, £500 to the Lying-In Hospital and £200 to the Parish of Camberwell to provide coals for the poor in the Hamlet of Dulwich.