About


Richard Horwood's Map, 1792

Introduction

Australia is 15,000 kms (12,000 miles) away from London, on the other side of the planet. However, there is much to discover and learn about Australia right here in London. The birthplaces and homes of early explorers of the continent can be visited. Convict histories can be gleaned from tracing what remains of old prison walls. The exploits, protests and artefacts of Aboriginal people can be seen, heard and remembered. And you can experience a rich Australian cultural heritage. As well as these distinctly Australian sites, London has its own and other multiple histories and places of interest – their accompanying stories abound.



Blue plaque to Caroline Chisholm 

What you will find in Londown Under

Londown Under contains 'Encounters', organised under the headings of Aboriginal, Exploration, Women, Convict, Military, Migration and Cultural. Under each heading, sites are listed – each with a map location and telling you ‘how to get there’. Descriptive and background information are provided, as well as links to related media and further information. In the 'Tours' section, sites are combined into themed tours, with one tour focusing on ‘the prison’ and the other on ‘the gathering’. Future tours will highlight the journey, family, home and protest. A tour with all of the sites (for the very ambitious) is also included, to bring them all together in one place. You can make up your own tours by bringing together any sites in any combination. Walk where you can or use public transport for the far-flung sites.

If you are interested in having a guide for the app tours, wish to be taken on other Londown Under tours or would like a bespoke tour designed to suit your needs, call or send an email. For 'Refreshments' find your nearest Aussie themed restaurant, coffee house or bar.

Following is an 'Article' section which contains features on aspects of Londown Under or related topics such as book reviews. An 'Events' section shows upcoming events related to Australia.

This app includes images and names of deceased people that may cause sadness or distress to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.



Contribute content to the app



Londown Under is keen to hear your comments and reports of your encounters. What do the sites make you think and feel? What did you discover on your visit? Most importantly, what Australian connections have you discovered in London?  Make comments throughout and send your text, pictures and videos via the 'Contribute' section – they will be included in Londown Under. Use the 'Search' tool to find what interests you. 'Contact' Londown Under by email or phone.

So, grab your device (with the downloaded app), a camera, bottle of water, sketchpad and/or notebook and head out of the door. Enjoy the journey to the Londown Under.

Technical tips

Londown Under is a Progressive Web App (PWA) accessed by a url – https://www.londownunder.uk

Android users

The app will work on all devices – laptop, tablet, mobile – using the android operating system. Copy and paste the url into Chrome. Follow the prompts to create an app icon on your home screen and to allow access to your location. You’ll need to be connected to wi-fi or 4G/5G to access any external links in the app. If you’re planning to use the app offline, you’ll need to open all the pages you require while connected to wi-fi or 4G/5G, then they will be available to you when offline. External links won’t work until you are back online.

Apple users

The app content is accessible on all devices – laptop, tablet, mobile – using the Apple operating system. Copy and paste the url into Safari. Create an app icon for your home screen by clicking on the share icon (box with arrow pointing up) and select ‘add to home screen’ by scrolling right on the bottom menu. This can then be used to access the app. To allow access to your location go to ‘Privacy’ in your device settings and switch on ‘Location Services’ and ‘Share My Location’. Scroll down to make sure that Google maps and Safari websites are switched on while using. You’ll need to be connected to wi-fi or 4G/5G to access any external links in the app. If you’re planning to use the app offline, you’ll need to open all the pages you require while connected to wi-fi or 4G/5G, then they will be available to you when offline. External links won’t work until you are back online.

About the author

Londown Under represents a personal history, as well as being a historical resource for others. In 1969, my family made the journey to Australia House in London to be interviewed under the Assisted Passage Migration Scheme. This scheme, created in 1945, offered migrants a ten-pound fare to migrate to Australia, with the condition that the full return fare would be paid if the migrant returned before two years. My family, along with thousands of other migrants, earned the title of ‘Ten Pound Poms’. We departed for Australia on 6th August 1969, embarking on a journey which felt like the Apollo 11 moon mission three weeks earlier, and began our new lives in the great southern land.

I spent some time in Australia, attending school and then university, but missed my friends back in London. So, in 1974 I returned to London, studied at university and settled into work. However, my family in Australia beckoned me to return to the fold and I made the long-haul flight back in 1986, this time staying for longer. My rewarding job with the Royal Flying Doctor Service, enabled me to visit all the capital cities and spend time in more remote areas – the great Australian outback. Thus, immersing myself in the nation’s rich folklife.

In 2010 I visited London with the Australian choir I sang with. For our performance at the Royal Albert Hall and in services at Westminster Abbey and St Pauls Cathedral, we rehearsed in St Clement Danes Church, opposite Australia House. My appetite for things British, and what London had to offer, was re-kindled and I returned to London in 2013.

Post career as a health manager, I completed a Graduate Diploma in Australian Folklife studies and in 2018 an MA in Public History.

This transnational life has resulted in a fascination with both Australia and Great Britain, in particular London, and a search for historical and contemporary connections (of both a personal and public nature) between the two places. Londown Under is the result.

Robert Williams

London 2022