As my parents were told when I was born, this will be a short one.
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| Captain Matthew Flinders 16 MAR 1774-19 JUL 1814 |
Matthew Flinders was a Royal Navy Captain (the picture probably gave it away), navigator, and cartographer who led the first circumnavigation of mainland Australia. Although it was then called New Holland (which leads me to believe it was first discovered by the Dutch, who lavished cheese, chocolate, and tulips upon the aborigines. I don't feel like looking it up, though).
Also the Dutch:
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| "Says here we're supposed to stick our fingers in some dikes. Fetch Midshipman Clinton." |
Flinders was also the first to use the term, "Australia," as he deemed the existing "Terra Australis" was too clunky to say (seriously?). This would also include Von Diemens Land (present day Tasmania).
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| Home of the Tasmanian Devil |
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| Not this Tasmania Devil. I'm starting to suspect Looney Tunes isn't a documentary, after all. |
Unfortunately for Flinders, he became a prisoner of the French (England and France being at war then) in December, 1803. He would eventually be paroled on June 10, 1810 when he would then return to England.
Flinders died on July 19, 1814 of kidney pie disease.
Meaning he would miss getting his ass kicked in New Orleans by General Andrew Jackson.
If you want to learn more about Matthew Flinders (why?) I encourage you seek out his entry on Wikipedia.
You know, I had to admit to being a little disappointed in my research.
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| I thought it was spelled Flanders. |
You know, the Looney Tunes Tasmania Devil looks nothing like the real thing...
ReplyDeleteI know, right? I am so disappointed. Now, I starting to suspect that Bugs Bunny isn't a real rabbit.
DeletePoor Flinders did a lot more than just coin the term Australia, he wrote the book and atlas which was a big hit and knew about this due to his wife who left the book and atlas on his bed so he could touch it…just before he died. Pretty cool that they finally found his grave in 2019. Oh, this is Birgit..you always make me laugh.
ReplyDeleteHe really did. The Wikipedia article says all that.
DeleteI hadn't heard of him before. So, you're telling me that coyotes can't run off cliffs and don't chase roadrunners? You don't say...
ReplyDeleteI haven't heard of him, either. What I'm trying to do is highlight lesser-known bits of history (e.g., I could have used 'French Revolution' for 'F,' instead). So it is with Flinders.
DeleteLooney Tunes. This is why I have trust issues.
DeleteHa! you DID get Ned in there! I'm so proud of you!
ReplyDeleteOkely dokely. My pleasure.
DeleteThanks for stopping by my blog and offering your condolences. Great to see you're still blogging!
ReplyDeleteCan’t help it.
DeleteI wish you peace.
DeleteThis post offers a lighthearted take on the life of Matthew Flinders, blending historical facts with humorous asides. The playful tone makes learning about this important figure in Australian history feel fun, from his role in mapping the continent to the amusing side comments about the Dutch and Looney Tunes. The final twist about the spelling of "Flinders" adds a touch of charm to the piece. It’s a clever way to present a history lesson with a smile. I shared a new post; you are invited to read.
ReplyDeleteHe was much more than I presented here. I will say...I've learned quite a bit when I've researched these topics.
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