Collingwood and his ghost.

Another of our favourite characters in XVIII century Port-Mahon was admiral Collingwood. He was Nelson’s right-hand man, not only because he often assisted to the British hero, but also because he physically helped him as Nelson had lost his right arm in the battle of Santa Cruz (in the Canary Islands). Collingwood also took over command of the Royal Navy after the death of Lord Nelson, and save the British fleet while Nelson was lying deathly wounded in the Battle of Trafalgar.

Lord Collingwood lived in Mahon. Apparently he dwelled a large manor between Mahon and George Town (nowadays Es Castell). Collingwood House is now a popular hotel, with certain looks of a museum because of the large collection of antiquities kept within its walls. It is also said that Collingwood spirit or rather his ghost is still wandering the house.

The truth is that Collingwood died at sea, near Minorca, in 1810. His body was taken back to England and was buried in St. Paul’s Cathedral, beside his friend Nelson. Nevertheless, history mentions “his body”, but nothing is said about “his soul”. Therefore, at least this time, popular beliefs and rigorous historical facts could go hand-in-hand.

» The Collingwood House