A Biographical Dictionary of Modern Rationalists/Allen, John

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Allen, John, M.D., writer. B. Feb. 3, 1771. Ed. Edinburgh University. He practised and lectured at Edinburgh until 1801, when he accompanied Lord Holland and his family to Spain, remaining four years there with them. For the remainder of his life lie was one of the wits and most familiar habitués of Holland House, London. He was known as "Lady Holland's Atheist," and was "a complete sceptic," doubting if Christ had ever existed (Greville's Memoirs, v, 157). He contributed to the Edinburgh Review, and he wrote a standard Inquiry into the Rise and Growth of the Royal Prerogative in England (1830). From 1811 to 1820 he was Warden, and from 1820 to 1843 Master, of Dulwich College. D. Apr. 10, 1843.