Matthew Flinders, who circumnavigated Australia, is laid to rest in Donington church in historic ceremony

A historical figure thought lost to time was brought back into the spotlight today when the explorer Matthew Flinders made his final journey home to Donington.

Five years after his remains were discovered, the man who was the first to circumnavigate Australia was honoured by the Royal Navy as he was laid to rest within St Mary and the Holy Rood Church - close to his family.

People from far and wide - including many Australians - lined the streets of the village to watch as the hearse carrying Capt Flinders made its way to the church as part of a formal procession led by the Bishop of Lincoln, the Rt Rev Stephen Conway. A guard of honour was provided along Church Street by the sea cadets.

The Royal Naval officer’s coffin, which was draped in the Australian flag, was carried into the church by a well rehearsed Naval team while their colleagues also honoured Capt Flinders with a gun salute.

A guard of honour was formed by members of the Royal Naval Association outside the church.

The Governor of South Australia, the Honourable Frances Adamson AC, welcomed packed church to the service, which included a reading by Rachel Flinders Lewis - a direct descendant of celebrated explorer - and Lord Stuart Rose, former chairman of Marks and Spencer.

A whistle sounded twice during the section of the ceremony when Capt Flinders coffin was lowered into its final resting place. Soil from Donington, Australia, Mauritius and London was scattered within it to symbolise his journey through life.

The National Anthems of the United Kingdom and Australia marked the ending of this historical service.

Jane Pearson, Coun Jane King and the other members of the Matthew Flinders: Bring Him Home Group had put so much time and energy into not only this momentous occasion, but also the five years previously, deserve to celebrated for their hard work. The volunteer marshalls also deserve a lot of credit.

Speaking after the ceremony, Mrs Pearson, who also gave a reading, thanked the many people who played their part.

She said: “I had no idea when this started five years ago that we would end up with a day like this. We knew it had to be in church. I didn’t know we were going to have all those dignitaries and the wonderful attendance from the military services.

“I am delighted that the service has gone so well and it is wonderful so many supporters of Flinders came together brilliantly.”

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