Allan Glaisyer Minns facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Allan Glaisyer Minns
MRCS, LRCP
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| Mayor of Thetford | |
| In office 1904–1906 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born |
Allan Glaisyer Minns
19 October 1858 Inagua, The Bahamas |
| Died | 16 September 1930 (aged 71) Dorking, Surrey, England |
| Alma mater | Guy's Hospital London |
Allan Glaisyer Minns (1858 – 16 September 1930) was an important medical doctor. He made history by becoming the first black man to be a mayor in Britain. His journey from the Bahamas to a leadership role in England is truly inspiring.
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Who Was Allan Glaisyer Minns?
Allan Glaisyer Minns was born on October 19, 1858, in Inagua, a district in The Bahamas. He was the youngest son of John Minns and Ophelia Bunch. His family had roots in both England and the Bahamas. His grandfather, also named John Minns, moved from England to the Bahamas around 1801. There, he married Rosette, who had been an African slave.
Early Life and Education
Allan grew up in the Bahamas and attended Nassau Grammar School. After finishing school, he moved to London, England, to study medicine. He attended Guy's Hospital, a famous medical school in London.
Becoming a Doctor
Allan Glaisyer Minns worked hard and became a qualified doctor. He was officially registered with the British Medical Association in 1884. He earned two important medical qualifications: MRCS (Membership of the Royal College of Surgeons) in 1881 and LRCP (Licentiate of the Royal College of Physicians) in 1884.
Medical Career in Thetford
In 1885, Dr. Minns moved to Thetford, a town in Norfolk, England. He practiced medicine there for many years, helping people in the community. His eldest brother, Pembroke Minns, was also a doctor in Thetford. Allan continued to live and work in Thetford until 1923, when he moved to Dorking, where he later passed away.
Allan Minns: A Pioneering Mayor
Dr. Minns wasn't just a respected doctor; he also became a leader in his community. In 1903, he was elected to the town council of Thetford. This was a big step towards his historic achievement.
Becoming Britain's First Black Mayor
Just one year later, in 1904, Allan Glaisyer Minns was elected as the mayor of Thetford. This made him the first black man to hold the position of mayor in Britain. He served two terms, each lasting one year. This was a remarkable achievement for his time.
Family Life
Allan Glaisyer Minns was married twice. His first wife was Emily Pearson, whom he married in 1888. After her passing, he married Gertrude Ann Morton in 1896. He had children with both his wives.
His son, Allan Noel Minns, also followed in his footsteps and became a doctor. He also served as one of the few black officers in the British Army during the First World War.
Recognizing His Legacy
For a long time, people thought that John Archer, who became mayor of Battersea in 1913, was the first black British mayor. However, an American book called Negro Year Book 1914 (published in 1914) corrected this. It recorded that "In 1904, Mr. Allen Glaser Minns, a colored man from the West Indies, was elected mayor of the borough of Thetford, Norfolk." This confirmed Allan Glaisyer Minns's pioneering role in British history.
