Allen & Darwin
Charles James Allen (1853-1938) and Sidney Darwin (1851-1928) joined forces in 1887. Allen had been born in Islington, London, the son of Charles James Allen, a labourer (and later stone mason), and his wife, Elizabeth. Allen’s first job as a teenager was as clicker in the boot trade. Darwin was born in Sheffield, the son of William Darwin, a draper, and his wife, Elizabeth. He was the grandson of John Darwin, the owner of Elsecar Ironworks, and worked for several firms before he met Allen.&n....
