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 city. It is truly a Londown Under!

The Londown Under resource enables the visitor to London, and those living here, to find and highlight the key sites of connection, to make an encounter with them and hear the often remarkable stories they tell. Did you know that:

• there is a gravestone in a London churchyard which belonged to an Aboriginal man who knew Australia before the arrival of the First Fleet?
• one of London’s art galleries sits on the site of an old prison, which served as a depot for convicts transported to Australia in the 19th century?
• an Aboriginal cricket team played at a famous London cricket ground in 1868?
• a convict who spent time at one of London’s old gaols was an ancestor of a future Prime Minister of Australia?
• Australian soldiers made a social centre of one of London’s theatres during the First World War?
• there is a polling station in London which is larger than any polling station in Australia during federal elections?
• you can get a decent flat white coffee at any number of Australian cafes in London?

For more information and instructions on how to use Londown Under – see the About section – here.

Enjoy your time in the Londown Under!

Main picture – Ackermann, 1816 – Museum of London

© Robert Williams – all text and images – unless otherwise stated

Londown Under ®