Donington hero Matthew Flinders’ breastplate from his original coffin will go on display in Australia

The remains of explorer Matthew Flinders will be laid to rest in a replica of his original coffin, members of the community were told last week.

Villagers were also told that the lead breastplate from his first coffin will also be going on permanent display in Australia – where he is highly revered.

Two replicas of the breastplate will be coming to Donington – one will be attached to his new black coffin while the other will go on display locally.

Scores of people gathered in Donington’s St Mary and Holy Rood Church at a recent meeting to learn more about the three days of commemoration which are being planned for the explorer’s return in July, 2024.

Committee member Jane Pearson told those gathered that Flinders was the eldest son of the village surgeon and that his story would have ended with his death in 1814 if not for HS2.

The former Horbling Grammar School joined the Royal Navy as a teenager Mrs Pearson said.

“He had read Robinson Crusoe and got a taste for adventure,” she added. “He wanted to travel to a faraway continent that ultimately became Australia.”

The meeting was told that Flinders, who could not take his new wife Ann on his voyage because she had been found in his cabin without a bonnet, went onto prove that Tazmania was a separate island and named a great many places after his Lincolnshire homeland.

After completing his mission in Australia, Flinders set sail for home but had been imprisoned by the French for six years before finally getting his freedom to return home.

He published his maps – at his own expense – before his death.

Mrs Pearson said: “He died at the age of 40 and that would have been where his story ended if not for HS2 who dug him up.”

Villagers also heard that Partney, where Ann came from, has got a lot of attention recently along with Bolingbroke where his mother Susanna was buried.

The meeting also told that a ledger stone is being created for the church to mark Matthew Flinders burial. This stone is coming from Ireland and will be carved by a stonemason in Driffield and the design will also include Trim his cat.