The Allens of Shoreham

Does anyone have any information on the Allen family? My mother (Emma Jane Molden, nee Allen) was possibly the last of the Allens to be born in Shoreham (in 1913) and I'd love to know more about the family history.

My father always told me that the Allens had lived in Shoreham for as long as the town existed.  Family legend states that the Allens were involved in smuggling Charles II to France and that he set sail from Allen's Gap (now Star Gap), next to Coronation Green.

My grandfather, Sam Allen, was a ferryman before the footbridge was built, charging 1d one way across the river.  He also rowed families upriver for picnics.  Grandad helped build the 'new' Norfolk Bridge in the 1920s and survived falling from the top because he landed in soft mud - and was back at work the next day!  I saw his photo in the Marlipins, many years ago.  Grandad is recognisable because he wore a built-up boot because one leg was longer than the other due to undiagnosed dislocation in babyhood.

Mum died in January and I'm bringing her ashes home to be interred in the family grave at 11.00 a.m. on Friday 22nd August.

Susannah

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