was
a sub-postmaster. Ralph Allen
1693-1764
Born
of Cornish origins, Ralph Allen joined the postal service as a
young man. At the age of 17, he came to work in Bath and by 19 was
a sub-postmaster.
His endeavours as a postmaster made his fortune. Being a man of enterprise, he invested his money in the stone quarries of Bath and he was able to supply John Wood with the material crucial to the charm of the city. He lived at Prior Park, on the southern slopes of Bath.
Known
as the Benevolent Man, Allen was made an Honorary Freeman in 1725. He became
Mayor in 1742 and was the MP for Bath between 1757-64
In
1737 these three benefactors, together with a physician from London, Dr William
Oliver (famed for his Bath Oliver biscuit) collaborated to build the Royal
Mineral Hospital.