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FLINDERS’ LAST RESTING PLACE UNEARTHED

FLINDERS’ LAST RESTING PLACE UNEARTHED

 

FLINDERS’ LAST RESTING PLACE UNEARTHED

New discovery in London of Explorer’s Grave

Matthew Flinders is a familiar name in Australia – which he is credited with naming and in Mauritius where he was imprisoned for 6 ½ years and where he drew the first map of this continent. Ironically he is less well known in his birthplace – England. That is beginning to change. In recent years he has been commemorated with statues, and several books about his life have been written. A film of his life has been talked about for some time, and this week his name was in the news again as an old mystery was finally solved.

Memorial to Matthew Flinders in Mauritius, with a member of the local SMF, 2010

Memorial to Matthew Flinders in Mauritius, with a member of the local SMF, 2010

It has been known for some time that the site around Euston station was  built on the former location of St James’ cemetery.  It was here that Flinders was buried, in 1814, after a long illness, and still only 40 years old. Fortunately his coffin was made of lead so that when excavation of the site began for the new rail network, archaeologists had the rare excitement of unearthing the remains of an identifiable person.  Flinders’ remains will now likely yield further information as scientists will be able to learn many more details about his life and health from his bones.

Follow these links to read more about Captain Matthew Flinders in Mauritius:

For a printed book:

http://www.pinkpigeonpress.com/companions-of-misfortune/

For a kindle book:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Man-Mapped-Australia-Matthew-Flinders-ebook/dp/B00RBUM4OW/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1548525170&sr=8-9&keywords=flinders+the+man+who+mapped+australia

 

(c) mauritiusmag.com

 

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