With a number of points of origin that include Norman knights who fought at the side of William the Conqueror during his invasion of British shores in 1066, "Allen" is a name that resonates throughout the pages of the vibrant drama that is the historical record.
Many of its bearers have gained fame and acclaim through a diverse range of endeavours and pursuits.
William Allen was the pharmacist and philanthropist who in 1841 co-founded what is today's prestigious Royal Pharmaceutical Society, while Herbert Allen, born in 1873, was the physicist who carried out pioneering work in the fields of quantum theory and X-rays.
In the much different world of entertainment, Woody Allen is the award-winning American actor, screenwriter and director - and his tale, along with those of others, is recounted here.
