The nine-foot-high stone memorial marks the grave of Michael Collins – and is just metres away from the 37-ton marble headstone for his bare-knuckle boxer brother Willy Collins
A new 30-ton memorial has been erected next to what’s been dubbed ‘Britain’s largest’ headstone, marking the grave of a ‘Traveller King. ‘
The towering nine-foot stone tribute commemorates Michael Collins and is situated just a few metres from the colossal 37-tonne, £200,000 marble headstone of his bare-knuckle boxer brother Willy Collins.
The original monument is labelled ‘Britain’s biggest’ and made headlines when it was installed at Shiregreen Cemetery, Sheffield, South Yorkshire. Council bosses claim it breached planning regulations. It was erected two years after the so-called “King of Sheffield” passed away aged 49 while on holiday in Majorca, Spain in 2020.
The structure ignited a dispute between the council and his family, including widow Kathleen who previously warned of ‘war’ if it was dismantled. Now a new 30-tonne black marble headstone has emerged just metres away, this time honouring Willy’s brother Michael who died at the age of 51 in December 2024.
Dozens of locals have expressed their discontent upon discovering the monument, with one likening it to a “haunted crazy golf”.
One local said: “It is there because the Council did not take action against the first one.” Another questioned: “So if they didn’t get permission the first time, why is this allowed? One rule for them cos they don’t want any trouble and another rule for the rest of us.”
Some locals have come to its defence, claiming it serves as a “beautiful place to remember their loved ones”. The extravagant nine-and-a-half-feet-tall monument features two white life-size sculptures of the father-of-four.
He leaves behind his wife Girleen, their children Paris, Anthony, Montana, and Martin, plus his grandson, Martin Francis. One statue serves as the focal point with what appears to be two large figures of Jesus Christ positioned on either side.
Positioned behind him are a marble pint of Guinness, alongside depictions of a Guinness can and a Budweiser bottle. The second figure is seated on a bench to the left of the monument beside a tribute and a photograph of the four Collins Brothers captioned “Sheffield Collins Brothers” who have all died.
Terry Collins passed away aged 52 in September 2024, while Anthony was buried aged 22 in 2002 following fatal stab wounds sustained during an incident at the Afro Caribbean Club on Spital Hill.
They are also interred in the cemetery. At the front lie two bouquets of white roses positioned before a marble gate. Two white angel sculptures are positioned on each side.
To the right of the monument stands a functioning Bluetooth marble jukebox displaying the words “Legend Michael Collins” – accompanied by two Irish flags and a CD in its case, featuring Michael’s photograph at its centre.
A colossal sculpture of a watch resting on a chair is situated to the left, marking his family’s tribute.
One of Michael’s loved ones paid homage by saying: “He was a loving father, uncle, brother, husband, son and grandfather.”
His brother was Willy Collins and is buried across from him. “He spent most of his life in Sheffield as part of the Sheffield Collins traveller family.”
He was known as the true blue of Sheffield and one of a kind. “At the time of his passing, Michael’s devastated daughter, Paris, said: “Dad was a loving family man. He lived and died for his wife and children, and he absolutely doted on his little grandbaby. He thought the world of him.
“My mum is absolutely heartbroken. They’d been together for 27 years and they did everything together. My dad is in heaven now with his brother, Willy, sister-in-law, Josie, and Willy’s oldest daughter, Bonnie.”
Such memorials require a permit for construction. The current status of the permit remains unclear as this information is not publicly available.
Sheffield City Council has been contacted for comment.