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
£250
The Carsington
£295
The Wrexham
£295
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
£300
The Kedlestone
£320
The Ashbourne
£380
The Repton
£330
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
£490
The Derby
£570
The Ascot
£590
The Chesterfield
£630
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
£340 (Wood Veneer Casket)
The Ashbourne Casket
£380 (Wood Veneer Casket)
The Windsor
£720 (Solid Wood Casket)
The Westminster
£790 (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
£450
The Crown of Thorns
£450
The Lourdes Scene
£450
The Foot of the Cross
£450
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

To Jeremy, Nathan, Brendon, Jon and the test of the team,

Thank you! for your friendly and efficient service, from when you first arrived to take dad into your care to the end of the funeral. We would definitely recommend you. Much appreciated.

Patricia and Michelle - December 2021

Dear Jeremy and Nathan,

We would just like to thank you for the exemplary way you conducted Bill’s funeral on September 28th at Basildon Crematorium. Every aspect was just as we hoped it would be. You were always understanding and re-assuring.

Thank you

Jean, Carl and Donna - November 2018

Nathan, Jeremy and the Penrose Team,

​My wife, myself and our family would like to say a heartfelt thank you for the wonderful service we received from Penrose. We could not have asked for kinder or more helpful people and certainly everyone who attended David’s funeral gave high praise indeed to the whole event.​

I cannot recommend Penrose highly enough on the amazing service provided and wish you all the very best in the future.

Steve and Brenda Bester - December 2017

Good morning Jeremy

A big thank you to you and your team for yesterday, the day went like clockwork (apart from my father in law following the wrong limousine out of the crematorium which raised a few laughs at the wake)

I just wanted you to know how grateful my whole family were, from the first call to the last handshake you were professional and caring and my mum in particular was very happy with the day.
Please pass on my thanks to your staff.
Kind Regards
Mark Steadman - Feb 28th 2020

Nathan, Brendon and all at Penrose,

Thank you so much for all you help and care with mum’s funeral.

Best wishes,

Gillian, Jez, Chris, Lesley and family - January 2020

To Jeremy, Nathan and everyone involved with our father’s funeral. We would like to express our deepest thanks for all you did after the loss of our dear husband/father. Your kindness and professionalism were incredible. The fact that you all wore ‘silly socks’ without prompting blew us away! You are all very special people, Thank you again

Kay, Matt and Sam - November 2016

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

Dear Nathan,

A brief line to thank you, Jeremy and the team for your support and guidance since Audrey’s death. The funeral was managed perfectly for which we are most grateful.

Thank you

Yours

Ian Lawrence - April 2023
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