Archaeologists working on the HS2 project in St. James’s burial ground, Euston, discovered the remains of Captain Matthew Flinders, the Royal Navy explorer who led the first circumnavigation of Australia and is credited with giving the country its name.
HS2 archaeologists identified his remains by the breast plate placed on top of his coffin. The discovery of his burial site has thrilled archaeologists working on the project. He was buried at St. James’s burial ground on 23rd July 1814.
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Captain (Cpt.) Flinders made several important voyages, most notably as commander of H.M.S. Investigator which he navigated around the coast of Australia. This made him the first known person to sail around the country, confirming it as a continent. He is also credited with giving Australia its name, although not the first to use the term, his work popularised its use.
At the bicentenary of his death in 2014, a memorial statue of Cpt. Matthew Flinders was unveiled by the Duke of Cambridge at Australia House and later installed at Euston Station.
Cpt. Matthew Flinders will now be reinterred with the buried population of St. James’s Gardens.
Commenting on the discovery, Helen Wass, HS2 Ltd’s Head of Heritage, stated:
The discovery of Cpt. Matthew Flinders’s remains is an incredible opportunity for us to learn more about the life and remarkable achievements of this British navigator, hydrographer and scientist. He put Australia on the map due to his tenacity and expertise as a navigator and explorer
