Our Collingwood Coffin - A traditional solid coffin crafted in our award winning factory using solid Oak wood, grown sustainably, and accredited by the Forest Stewardship Council.
Where did our Collingwood get it's name ?
Career
Collingwood had a distinguished career in the navy, progressing quickly through the ranks and proving to be a worthy leader in several engagements. He met and became close friends with Horatio Nelson in Jamaica. However, his friend Nelson who ‘liked fame, and was open to flattery’ overshadowed Collingwood’s naval accomplishments and was the one who became Admiral in 1803 during the Napoleonic wars.
Environment
Prior and during a brief time of peace in 1802-3, Collingwood returned to his family home in Morpeth. During this time he concerned himself with the woodland in Northumberland, sourcing the valuable timber in great demand for the making of new ships. Uniquely he is credited with ensuring the trees were only felled randomly to preserve the habitat and
new trees were planted in their place.
Battle of Trafalgar
In 1805 he was re-united with Nelson after the peace with France was broken. Collingwood, already in the Mediterranean, was keeping watch outside Cadiz, awaiting reinforcements from England, led by Nelson. The navy’s success at the Battle of Trafalgar was considered to be due to Collingwood’s efforts as much as Nelson’s tactics. The death of Nelson during the battle, overshadowed Collingwood’s role and it was Nelson who became the celebrated national hero.
Honoured
For his role at Trafalgar, Collingwood was created Baron Collingwood of Coldburne and Hethpoole, and given a pension of £2,000 a year. Collingwood remained as Commander-in Chief in the Mediterranean, in charge of 28,000 men and 80 ships at its peak, indicating how highly the Court regarded him. On a visit to Cadiz in 1808, Collingwood was well received by the Spanish because of his chivalrous behaviour towards their prisoners and wounded after the battle, showing his admirable nature. Collingwood never returned home despite his frequent requests to visit his wife and daughters, preferring to stay at sea. He died in March 1810 and his body was returned to England to be laid to rest near Nelson’s grave in St. Paul’s Cathedral.
