The earliest evidence for the use of wooden coffins dates to 5000 BC and was found in the Tomb 4 at Beishouling, Shaanxi. There have been many designs and styles of coffin over the centuries but by far the most common styles in the UK are the tapered six sided box (also considered to be anthropoidal in shape) which is referred to as a “coffin”, and the square sided, rectangular box referred to as a “casket”. The now universal “coffin” design, built to be wider at the shoulders and narrower at the feet, was designed originally to save money on wood.

With the growing resurgence of cremation in the western world many coffins are now made of thinner and lighter materials such as particle board or low density fibre board in order to minimise the carbon footprint and use of natural resources. It has also become standard practice to use these lighter coffins for burials unless a solid wood coffin or casket is specifically desired. Another growing move is to personalise the coffin to the deceased’s lifestyle and personality, for example painting a coffin in a favourite team’s colours or draping the coffin in a themed flag.

There is emerging interest in eco-friendly coffins made of purely natural materials such as bamboo, willow or banana leaf and it is becoming increasingly popular to use cardboard coffins. We offer a large range of natural and cardboard coffins which you can see on our Green Funerals page.

Please note that our standard price includes a beautiful wood veneer coffin, The Tutbury, at no extra cost.

Wood Effect Coffins

Our Wood Effect Coffins offer the aesthetics of a high-quality wood finish but without the price. They also require less raw material to produce and release far less CO2 than solid wood coffins, so they are better for the environment.

The Tutbury
£320
The Carsington
£356
Wood Veneer Coffins

Very similar to our Wood Effect Coffins these offer a high quality gloss veneer finish that is practically indistinguishable from polished wood. We offer a large range of Veneer Coffins so please click below to see our full range and find a coffin that you feel is perfectly suited for the occasion.

The York
£371
The Kedlestone
£396
The Ashbourne
£457
The Repton
£400
Solid Wood Coffins

These are high quality, hard wood coffins offering robust construction with premium aesthetics. If a solid wood coffin is important to you then these offer an excellent choice at a reasonable price. However, if solid wood is not a factor then please consider the environmental impact and choose a Wood Effect or Veneer Coffin. This will also reduce the cost of the funeral considerably.

The Sherwood
£567
The Derby
£710
The Ascot
£725
The Chesterfield
£765
Caskets

The word casket was originally coined to describe an ornamental box used to hold jewellery or other precious items. Based on a much older design tradition a polished casket offers a very formal and stately feel as it is carried into the church or chapel. The Casket design does offer a more distinct aesthetic because it is selected for only a small percentage of funerals these days.

The Atherton
£470 (Wood Veneer Casket)
The Ashbourne Casket
£499 (Wood Veneer Casket)
The Windsor
£795 (Solid Wood Casket)
The Westminster
£895 (Solid Wood Casket)
Baby and Infant

Our collection of baby and infant coffins and caskets are available in a range of different sizes and colours. While there is nothing we can do to alleviate the pain of losing a young life, each coffin is carefully lined for a soft and comfortable final sleep.

Child’s Coffin Baby Pink
Included Free
Child’s Casket Baby Blue
Included Free
Child’s Coffin Oak Veneer
Included Free
Child’s Casket White
Included Free
Last Supper Collection

Depicting Biblical and religious themes these coffins are best suited for religious and especially catholic funerals. Each scene is artfully countersunk into the body of the coffin presenting a beautiful and polished wood-effect finish.

The Last Supper
£528
The Crown of Thorns
£528
The Lourdes Scene
£528
The Foot of the Cross
£555
Natural Coffins

For those who want to combine a natural beauty with an eco-friendly funeral we offer a range of Natural Coffins. Bamboo, Banana and Willow coffins are especially suitable for environmentally friendly burial and our simple but beautiful cardboard coffins are the best eco-solution for both burial and cremation. Click below to see our full range of coffins for green funerals.

Bamboo
Banana
Willow
Decorated Cardboard

Testimonials

Dear Nathan, Brendan and Jeremy

Thank you on behalf of myself and all the family for all your help and excellent service from beginning to end!

Kind regards

Natalie Cann - November 2022

A very professional family run business who were very understanding and kind and nothing was too much trouble. They immediately alleviated any worries and concerns I had and arranged for a lovely celebrant Laura Manvell to conduct the Celebration of Life, who was probably one of the sweetest ladies on this earth I have ever met.

Julie Adkins - February 2024

Dear Brendon, Jeremy, Nathan and team,

Please accept our heartfelt appreciation for your sincere kindness, empathy and guidance during a time of great sadness. Your kindness and care of our lovely mum will be held close to our hearts and always remembered.

With love from

Next of Kin and Family - Dec 2023

Thank you to all of you for the care and kind support you gave us during this sad time.

The yellow ties at mum’s funeral was a very special touch, she would have loved that,

Take care,

Sarah and Hayley - November 2022

Nathan and Jeremy, Thank you so much for waiting for me tonight, I really appreciate it. I’m so pleased I got there to see mum, she looks lovely and looks like she’s just having a lovely sleep. I love that she is holding all the photos and roses close to her, that is a lovely touch, thank you. I will most definitely be recommending your services.

Maggie - July 2017

I just want to say a huge thank you for allowing me to say hello and goodbye to my birth mother Pat W. I never gave up searching for her and really appreciate your help and understanding in allowing me to finish this so beautifully

Linda - Oct 2018

To the Penrose Team,

Thank you all so much for the amazing efforts you put into making our father, Tony Hogan’s, funeral run so smoothly. we so appreciate all of your professionalism and care.

Kind regards

April and Emma - June 2023

Dear Nathan and team

Just wanted to say a heartfelt thankyou to you and all at Penrose for your dignity, help and support yesterday and beforehand in the arrangement of dad’s funeral. It was a lovely send-off and your professionalism and courtesy on the day was first-rate and warmly appreciated by our family and friends.
Best wishes
Rachel Harkes - April 2021
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