Books & Literature

Explorer Matthew Flinders’ coffin plate arrives from London for free Australian-first exhibition

For the first time ever in Australia, the coffin plate of famed explorer Matthew Flinders is being showcased in a free exhibition at Flinders University’s City Campus.

For the first time ever in Australia, the coffin plate of famed explorer Matthew Flinders is being showcased in a free exhibition at Flinders University’s City Campus. The exhibition, titled ‘Matthew Flinders: Fearless in Life, Love, and Tragedy’ offers a rare glimpse into the life and legacy of the university’s namesake.

The exhibition is a collaboration between Flinders University and the History Trust of South Australia. It marks a historic moment as the coffin plate, which played an important role in the identification of Flinders’ remains, is displayed on Australian soil for the first time. The exhibition comes just six months after Flinders’ remains were reburied in Lincolnshire in the United Kingdom.

Matthew Flinders, who passed away on July 19th 1814, was initially buried at St James Church in London. His grave was lost to time due to changes in the churchyard. In 2019, during an archaeological dig related to the HS2 rail project, Flinders’ burial site was rediscovered, and the engraved lead coffin plate confirmed his identity. The original plate has since been gifted to the History Trust of South Australia by Flinders’ descendants, recognising his important contribution to South Australia’s early colonial history.

The coffin plate is now part of the State History Collection, under the care of the History Trust. It is displayed alongside other significant artefacts at Flinders University’s City Campus, including Flinders’ ebony pocket compass, brass naval jacket buttons, a rare first edition of A Voyage to Terra Australis, and a letter he wrote to his wife. The exhibition also includes a coral necklace given to Flinders’ sister, and a needlework sampler created by his great-niece, Susanna Pilgrim, aboard the Bolivar on its arrival at Port Adelaide 175 years ago.

Flinders’ legacy in South Australia is also honoured through his connection to the Pilgrim family, who played an important role in establishing the statue of Flinders on North Terrace in 1921. Exhibition co-curator Fiona Salmon, also Director of the Flinders University Museum of Art, shares a personal connection to Flinders through the Pilgrim family and says she’s proud to bring these rare artefacts to the public.

“Through these exquisite objects we gain a sense of Flinders’ achievements as an expert navigator and meticulous cartographer while also glimpsing a warm, sensitive and generous human being,” Fiona Salmon says.

The exhibition also honours Bungaree, an Aboriginal guide and trusted companion to Flinders. Bungaree’s knowledge of local cultures and his bravery in assisting Flinders on his voyages, particularly the historic circumnavigation of Australia aboard The Investigator from 1801 to 1803, is acknowledged in the exhibition. Flinders referred to Bungaree as “my friend Bongaree” and praised his courage and dedication.

Matthew Flinders: Fearless in Life, Love, and Tragedy is a free exhibition, running from Monday, January 13th to Friday February 14th 2025 on Level 1 of Flinders University City Campus, Festival Plaza. The exhibition is open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm, and Saturdays from 11am to 4pm (closed on Sundays and public holidays). 

What: Matthew Flinders: Fearless in Life, Love, and Tragedy
When: Monday January 13th to Friday February 14th
Times: Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm I  Saturdays 11am to 4pm  I  Closed Sundays and Public Holidays
For more information, click here.

More News

To Top