Cuthbert Collingwood

British Admiral
1750-1810

Having been at sea since the age of 11, Collingwood had been witness to some of the major battles of the era.

As a midshipman he witnessed the land battle at Bunker Hill and served at the battles of Glorious First of June and St Vincent.

In 1799, he became a vice-admiral and served with his friend Admiral Horatio Nelson.

At Trafalgar, Collingwood took over after Nelson's death and used his great sailing skills to steer the British fleet back to safety through some appalling weather.

It is said he had a delightful sense of humour and a great passion for hating the French - in a very cordial way.

Collingwood died at sea while serving in the Mediterranean in 1810.

Lord Collingwood's Monument