Stafford Allen

Stafford Allen (1806 – 14 October 1889) was an English industrialist, abolitionist and philanthropist. He founded the company Stafford Allen and Sons. He supported a number of causes and after fifty years of support he was made a Vice-President of the British and Foreign Anti-Slavery Society.

Life Allen was born in Witham, Essex in 1806. He was the son of two Quakers, Phebe (born Lucas) and Samuel Allen. He married Hannah Hunton Ransome daughter of James Ransome of Ipswich in 1839 and they had a large family. Including Francis Allen of Cockley Cley Hall (1852-1926) who had business interests in Egypt (including in the Khedivial Mail Steamship Company).

He started a pharmacy company named Stafford Allen and sons in 1833 which created large profits. The company created a wide range of products but specialised in derivatives from Cedar wood and cloves. Allen also possessed an iron foundry but this was of secondary interest. His business interests initially involved his brother George and another partner called George May. This convention was organised by Joseph Sturge and the British and Foreign Anti-Slavery Society. Allen was one of the patrons of this organisation.

Allen was involved in more philanthropy during the Franco-Prussian War of 1870. Allen sat on a committee of the Society of Friends (Quakers) who tried to mitigate the suffering. The committee sent assistance including medicines donates by Allen's company.

Legacy Stafford Allen and Sons became part of the company Bush, Boake Allen which was acquired by International Flavors and Fragrances in 2000.