Get a glimpse of the remarkable life and legacy of Captain Matthew Flinders, the Navigator who circumnavigated the continent then known as New Holland, and which he named Australia. The centrepiece of this exhibition is Flinders’ coffin plate, unearthed during a 2019 archaeological dig at London’s Euston Railway Station.
While thought to have been long lost, Flinders remains were identified amongst the 40,000 graves that were built over to expand the Euston Station. The coffin plate made of lead, was well preserved despite being buried for more than 200 years. Flinders was reburied in Donington, Lincolnshire, in 2024 in a new coffin with a replica plate.
The real coffin plate was gifted to the History Trust of South Australia by Flinders’ descendants in recognition of his significant contribution to the state’s colonial history. This significant gift was accepted on our behalf by the Governor of South Australia, Frances Adamson AC. This important object is now part of South Australia’s State History Collection and has been placed on display at Flinders University’s City Campus as part of a special exhibition.
Alongside the coffin plate are rare artefacts from the Flinders University Special Collections including Flinders’ ebony pocket compass, brass buttons from his naval jacket, and a first edition of A Voyage to Terra Australis, his monumental final publication featuring maps and illustrations.
Other treasures include a letter to his wife, a coral necklace gifted to his sister and a needlework sampler crafted by his great-niece Susanna Pilgrim aboard the Bolivar whilst en-route to Adelaide 175 years ago.
Matthew Flinders: Fearless in life, love, and tragedy is a free exhibition presented in partnership with Flinders University.
On display on Level 1, Flinders University City Campus, Festival Plaza.
Monday 13 January–Friday 14 February.
Monday–Friday 10am–6pm , Saturdays 11–4pm , Closed Sundays and Public Holidays
Image: Portrait of Matthew Flinders c.1800, at the age of 26, miniature by an unknown artist. Collection of the State Library of NSW (MIN52).