Captain Flinders’ grave discovered by archaeologists

The remains of the famous explorer Captain Matthew Flinders have been relocated by archeologists working on HS2.

The final resting place of Flinders, the first man to circumnavigate Australia, had been considered lost following the expansion of Euston station in the 1840s and the removal of headstones from St James’s burial ground.

Archaeologists are now excavating the site ahead of the construction of the new HS2 station at Euston, due to open in 2026.

The former burial ground is believed to contain as many as 40,000 other human remains. However, archeologists were able to easily identify Flinders from a lead breast plate that had been placed on top of his coffin when he was buried in July 1814.

Captain Flinders made several significant voyages, including as commander of HMS Investigator which he navigated around the entire coast of Australia. He is also credited with giving Australia its name, and his surname is now associated with many places on the continent - including the town of Flinders in Victoria, and the Flinders Ranges in South Australia.

After the location of his grave became lost, an urban myth developed that he was buried beneath Platform 15 at Euston. A memorial statue commemorating the bicentenary of his death is now located at the station, while Virgin Trains has also named one of its Pendolinos The Matthew Flinders.

HS2 Ltd Chief Executive Mark Thurston said: “The discovery of one of Britain’s most significant explorers helps us tell stories of our past, as we prepare to build a high-speed rail network that is an important part of our future.

“This is the largest archaeological exploration ever in Britain, employing archeologists and heritage specialists from across the country and beyond, and we’re proud its part of the wider HS2 story.” HS2 Head of Heritage Helen Wass added: “Given the number of human remains at St James’s, we weren’t confident that we were going to find him. We’ll now be able to study his skeleton to see whether life at sea left its mark and what more we can learn about him.

“The Flinders name is synonymous with exploration, science and discovery. And HS2, through its archaeology programme, will ensure that we maximise the opportunities for further academic and scientific study.”

All human remains recovered near Euston, including those of Captain Flinders, will be reinterred at a location to be announced.