History of Norfolk Island facts for kids

The Norfolk Island convict settlement today

Norfolk Island has a long and interesting history. It was first settled by Polynesian explorers many centuries ago. Later, it became an important place for the British, first as a source of valuable resources and then as a strict prison colony. Today, it is a beautiful island known for its unique history and connection to the descendants of the famous HMS Bounty mutineers.

Early History of Norfolk Island

Norfolk Island was first settled by Polynesian seafarers, possibly from the Kermadec Islands or New Zealand's North Island. They arrived around the 1300s or 1400s. These early settlers lived on the island for several generations. We know they were there because archaeologists found their main village at Emily Bay. They also left behind stone tools, Polynesian rats, and banana trees. The harakeke, or New Zealand flax plant, was also brought by these settlers. What happened to them in the end is still a mystery.

The first European to see the island was Captain James Cook in 1774. He was on his second voyage to the South Pacific. Cook named the island after the Duchess of Norfolk. He landed on the island on October 11, 1774. Cook was very impressed by the tall, straight trees and the New Zealand flax plants. He thought these plants could be very useful for the British Royal Navy. He took samples back to Britain to show their potential.

Captain Cook noted that Norfolk Island had plenty of wood for ships. This was important because Britain needed strong timber for its navy. At the time, Britain relied on other countries for materials like flax for sails and hemp for ropes. Finding these resources on Norfolk Island was a big deal. It meant Britain could get these supplies without depending on other nations. This was one of the main reasons Britain decided to start a settlement in New South Wales, which included Norfolk Island.

First British Settlement

James Cook

Convict buildings

Gravestone of a convict

Norfolk Island jail

In 1788, the British government decided to send the First Fleet to Australia. Part of their plan was to also settle Norfolk Island. This was to make sure another European country, like France, didn't claim it first. The island was also seen as a good place to grow flax and timber for the British navy.

Governor Arthur Phillip, who led the First Fleet, sent Lieutenant Philip Gidley King to Norfolk Island. King arrived on March 6, 1788, with 15 convicts and seven free men. They started the first settlement, which was also called "Sydney." More convicts and soldiers soon arrived from New South Wales. The first child born on the island was Norfolk King, son of Philip Gidley King.

Early reports from the island were very positive. People were impressed by the beautiful timber and the abundant flax plants. European crops also grew well. However, there was one big problem: the island did not have a safe harbor. This made it very difficult to get supplies to and from the island.

Life on the island was tough. It was hard to prepare the flax for use, and the pine timber wasn't strong enough for ship masts. Crops often failed because of strong winds, rats, and caterpillars. Despite these challenges, more convicts were sent, and the island became a farm that supplied food to the struggling Sydney colony.

Many convicts chose to stay on Norfolk Island after their sentences ended. By 1792, the population grew to over 1,000 people. However, the British government soon realized that maintaining the settlement was very expensive and difficult. In 1803, they decided to close it down. Settlers and convicts were gradually moved to Van Diemen's Land (now Tasmania). By 1813, only a small group remained to destroy the buildings. From 1814 to 1825, Norfolk Island was completely abandoned.

Second Penal Settlement

In 1824, the British government decided to reopen Norfolk Island as a prison. This time, it was for the "worst description of convicts." These were people who had committed more crimes after already being sent to Australia. The island's remote location, which was once a problem, was now seen as a good thing for keeping these prisoners.

Norfolk Island jail

Norfolk Island jail

Life in this second penal settlement was very harsh. Reports from visitors, like Bishop Robert Willson, described terrible conditions. Food was scarce and poor quality, housing was inadequate, and the system gave one person too much power. These reports led to calls for change in Britain.

The British government began to close down the second penal settlement after 1847. The last convicts were moved to Tasmania in May 1855. The island was abandoned once again.

Pitcairn Islanders Arrive

On June 8, 1856, a new chapter began for Norfolk Island. The island became home to the descendants of the HMS Bounty mutineers and their Tahitian partners. These people had been living on Pitcairn Islands, but their population had grown too large for the small island.

The British government allowed the Pitcairners to move to Norfolk Island. They left Pitcairn Islands on May 3, 1856, and 194 people arrived on Norfolk Island on June 8. They used many of the buildings left from the old prison settlements. They continued their traditional farming and whaling on the island.

Even though some families later returned to Pitcairn, Norfolk Island's population slowly grew. In 1867, the Melanesian Mission of the Church of England set up its headquarters on the island. They built the beautiful church of St. Barnabas in 1882. The mission later moved to the Solomon Islands in 1920.

Anglican Church of St. Barnabas, Norfolk Island

Norfolk Island in the 20th Century and Beyond

After Australia became a country in 1901, Norfolk Island was placed under the Australian government. It became an external territory.

During World War II, Norfolk Island was an important airbase. It was a key stop for planes traveling between Australia, New Zealand, and the Solomon Islands. New Zealand soldiers were stationed on the island, but it was too remote to be attacked during the war.

In 1979, Norfolk Island was given some self-government by Australia. This meant the island could elect its own government to manage most of its affairs. However, residents of Norfolk Island were not represented in the Australian Parliament.

In recent years, Norfolk Island faced financial challenges. In 2015, the Australian government announced big changes. The island's self-government was ended, and it became run by an Administrator and an advisory council. Elections for a new Regional Council were held in 2016.

Since July 1, 2016, most Australian laws apply to Norfolk Island. This means things like taxes, social security, and immigration rules are the same as in mainland Australia. Travel between Norfolk Island and mainland Australia is now considered domestic travel.

Some people on Norfolk Island are against these changes. Groups like the Norfolk Island People for Democracy Inc. are asking the United Nations to list the island as a "non-self-governing territory." There have also been discussions about joining New Zealand. A survey in 2019 showed that many island residents prefer a closer relationship with either New Zealand or Australia, or even full independence.