This must have been a far-sighted move as Dargan had not brought the railway to Bray at this time , horses and cattle grazed in the green fields stretching from the Main Street to the fishermen's cottages on the seashore.

In 1854 the railway came to Bray and it was destined to become a resort town with all the trappings of a Victorian seaside spa, salt water baths , Turkish baths etc. Also at this time, luckily for Bray, it became a dormitory town for Dublin and remains so today, how little has changed.

The Allen business flourished and they became successful merchants, owning a number of properties including a grocery and off license above town in The Vevay (then called Newtown Vevay). Daily deliveries of fresh bread went to Loghlinstown, Greystones, Kilcoole, Glencree, Roundwood and as far south as Ashford , all by horse and cart.

The Allen business progress was inextricably linked to the history of the town. The town flourished form a fishing village and coach stop to having a commercial harbour built in the 1890's and a magnificent promenade around the 1900's.

Main Street Bray 1800's

1913 saw as expansion into the drapery business. We weathered the two world wars and our own nations struggle for independence, the depressed 30's , war torn 40's and further depressed 50's. In the 1920's William Allen was apprenticed to his uncle. At that time all business people lived above their premises (not like today!!). At that stage a tailor lived-in together with two apprentices, a maid and the proprietor and his wife.

In 1949 William took over the ship and when he retired he had completed 56 years behind the counter.

The 1960's saw flower power as the fashion. In December , 1966 was had a disastrous fire. The whole shop had to be modernised as a result.

In 1972 William's son Tom took over and saw fashions change through the flares and side burns of the early 70's to the punk rockers of the 80's.

In 1980 Tom demolished two-thirds of the premises and doubled the size of the interior (the exterior stands as it did 150 years ago).

In the year 2000, the Millennium year, Allen's celebrated trading in this town for 150 years. We are, by far the longest trading family in the town. Simon, Tom's son, had by now joined the business and he in turn put his stamp on it and completely re0furbished the shop to make it the most up-to-date menswear business around.

How times have changed.

From selling Wellingtons and hob-nailed boots, hats and shrouds we have moved with the times to stock top designed labels.

It is the way of the future and with the loyal support of our staff and customers we hope to serve Bray and beyond for many years to come!