John Alleyne (priest) explained

John Alleyne was Dean of St Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin^[1] from 1466^[2] until 1506,^[3] having previously been Precentor.^[4]

He was noted for charity: he built an almshouse on Kevin Street, near the cathedral, and left most of his money for its support.^[2] In his will he directed that his body be buried under the statue of St Patrick in the nave of the cathedral.^[2] The nave collapsed due to neglect in 1554. He was also a Master in the Court of Chancery (Ireland).

In 1474 he clashed with the Archbishop of Dublin, John Walton, who attempted to impose his will on the Cathedral Chapter. Alleyne appealed directly to King Edward IV and obtained his crucial support. Walton was reminded that it was illegal for any outsider to interfere in the Chapter's business.

Notes and References

1. "A New History of Ireland" T. W. Moody, F. X. Martin, F.J. Byrne and Cosgrove, A: Oxford, OUP, 1976
2. "The History and Antiquities of the Collegiate and Cathedral Church of St. Patrick Near Dublin, from it Foundation in 1190, to the Year 1819: Comprising a Topographical Account of the Lands and Parishes Appropriated to the Community of the Cathedral, and to Its Members, and Biographical Memoirs of Its Deans" Mason, W.M. p136:Dublin, W.Folds, 1820
3. Handbook of British Chronology by Fryde, E. B;. Greenway, D.E; Porter, S; Roy, I: Cambridge, CUP, 1996,, 9780521563505
4. "Fasti Ecclesiae Hibernicae: The succession of the prelates Volume 2" Cotton, H. p110 Dublin, Hodges & Smith, 1848-1878