Australian London Encounters
London has many sites of historical and contemporary connection with Australia. For example, this stained glass window to Dame Nellie Melba in the Musicians’ Chapel in the Church of St Sepulchre-without-Newgate, Holborn. This is not surprising, considering the strong historical ties between Great Britain’s capital and Australia. It was in London that discussions were held and actions set in motion, regarding Australia’s exploration and early convict settlement. London has hosted a number of Aboriginal visitors and played its part in how the early colony dealt with Australia’s Indigenous people. Military alliances have seen Australians fight alongside Britain in two World Wars and sites in London mark these. Continuing bonds of the British Commonwealth mean that London is home to an ongoing Australian administrative presence. Contemporary connections occur through sport, the arts, eating and drinking establishments and in the ‘Little Australia’ enclaves scattered across the…
