Collings Family Genealogy & History

David Collings (1940–2020) was a distinguished English actor renowned for his versatile career across stage, television, film, and radio. He gained a significant following through his roles in cult sci-fi series like Doctor Who, Sapphire & Steel, and Blake's 7. Collings also voiced Legolas in the BBC Radio 4 adaptation of The Lord of the Rings and the titular character in the series Monkey. His notable screen roles include Raskolnikov in Crime & Punishment and historical figures such as William Wilberforce. A stalwart of the National Theatre and RSC, his theatre career spanned globally, including appearances at the Liverpool Rep and productions with Cheek by Jowl.

Collings' theatrical legacy continued through his son, Samuel Collings, with whom he shared the stage in a production of Edward II at the Royal Exchange, Manchester.

Matthew Collings, born in 1955 in London, is a distinguished British art critic, writer, broadcaster, and artist. His career highlights include editing the influential Artscribe magazine, receiving a Turner Prize commendation, and producing and presenting various acclaimed TV series for the BBC and Channel 4, like "This is Modern Art," which earned him a Bafta. Collings is known for his documentaries on prominent artists and art movements, as well as his bestselling book "Blimey! From Bohemia to Britpop." His role as a regular art critic for the Evening Standard and his successful Instagram art history drawings further cement his influence in the contemporary art world.

Marie Collings (1791–1853), also known as Mary Collings, was a prominent Guernsey heiress and the second female Dame of Sark, serving from 1852 to 1853. She inherited significant wealth from her father, John Allaire, and acquired the fief of Sark after foreclosing a mortgage. Her tenure as Dame was marked by modernization efforts at La Seigneurie, though she never actively governed the island, delegating responsibilities to her son, William Thomas Collings.

Marie Collings was born into a wealthy Guernsey family. Her father, John Allaire, was a notable privateer and reputedly the richest man in Guernsey. She was married to Thomas Guérin Collings and had several children, including her heir, William Thomas Collings. Her lineage continues through her descendants who maintain the seigneurship of Sark.

William Frederick Collings (1852 – 1927) served as the Seigneur of Sark from 1882 until his death. Renowned for his eccentricity, anti-clerical stance, and generosity, Collings was an enduring figure on the island. Despite neglecting military interests and the Royal Sark Militia, he was highly regarded for his sailing, shooting, and rock climbing skills. His tenure was marked by notable incidents, including refusing a lucrative casino offer and displaying public outbursts, often fueled by alcohol. Collings' relationship with the islanders was complex, as they admired his abilities but feared his temper.

William Frederick Collings was the elder son of William Thomas Collings, the previous Seigneur of Sark, and Louisa Collings, a lichenologist. He was one of six siblings and shared a contentious relationship with his father, diverging from his father's religious and academic aspirations. Collings was devoted to his wife, Sophie Moffatt, and had two daughters, Sibyl and Doris. His upbringing of Sibyl reflected non-traditional gender roles, preparing her for future leadership despite her physical challenges.