Henry Allen represented the West Ward on the Gloucester City Council for the Liberals and was elected mayor in 1873. He was the last Chief Magistrate of Gloucester before the important extension of the city boundaries. He was a prominent member of the Wesleyan Connexion, a trustee of the Northgate Wesleyan Chapel and one of the chief promoters and subscribers to the erection of the new chapel in Northgate street. He was a steadfast supporter of the Temperance movement and was a justice of the peace for many years.