Who establish Allen solly?

Answer 1

My name is Keith Allen. I am a direct descendant of Thomas Allen( 1704-1774) who is credited with establishing the firm Allen Solly when in 1744 he took unto himself a framework knitter, producing hosiery.

From this cottage industry the family firm grew and developed with a factory being built in Arnold Nottingham, England. They traded under various names J. Allen and Son, Allen and Allen. In the 1930's a a woman from the Solly family from Kent married a William Allen. The name Solly was then added to firm's name.

They continued to manufacture and trade until 1945 when the factory was closed down and the rights to use the were bought by Coates Viyella. It was then that manufacturing shifted to India.

I am unaware of any of the subsequent history.

There is relevant information available at the Arnold Library and Nottingham University.

The label which I have seen bears the inscription "Allen Solly: Established in 1744.