Admiral Arthur Philip RN Memorial Service
11am, Wednesday 9 July 2014
Westminster Abbey
On Wednesday 9 July 2014 at 11.00am, a special service will be held at Westminster Abbey to dedicate a memorial stone in honour of Admiral Arthur Philip RN, in the presence of HRH The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.
To obtain a complementary ticket for the service please go to http://www.admiralphillip200.com/
Admiral Phillip (1738-1814) is widely admired in Australia, as Commander of the First Fleet and, as first Governor, he founded New South Wales in 1788, introduced the rule of law and established the new colony in the face of horrendous obstacles. He is less well known in the UK than he is in Australia.
His talents were wide ranging and all of great benefit to the blossoming colony as he laid the foundation of the Australia we know today.
It is fitting that the memorial stone will be laid on the floor of the nave of Westminster Abbey close to the Grave of the Unknown Soldier and David Livingstone.
Arthur Phillip was born in the City of London but spent his adult life, when not away at sea, in Lyndhurst where he owned a farm. He is buried in St Nicholas Church, Bathampton.