The Arches, Norfolk Island facts for kids

The Arches is an old, ruined building on Norfolk Island, a small Australian territory. It's located on Rocky Point Road in an area once known as Longridge. This special ruin is listed on the Commonwealth Heritage List, which means it's an important historical place protected by Australia. It was added to this list on June 22, 2004.

What is the History of The Arches?

Early Days at Longridge

Longridge was a big farm area during the "Second Settlement" of Norfolk Island, which lasted from 1825 to 1855. During this time, the island was used as a prison for people who had committed crimes more than once. They were sent here from Britain.

In the 1830s and 1840s, many large prisons and living quarters for guards were built in places like Kingston and Longridge. Buildings were also needed to store food crops and other supplies.

Building The Arches

Longridge was set up about nine months after the Second Settlement began in 1825. The land there was used to grow corn and wheat, and to raise pigs. Even before this, some farming had happened in the area.

Longridge grew into a busy place with farm buildings, barracks (places for soldiers or prisoners to live), barns, and yards. By 1846, there were 35 different buildings there! The Arches building was built sometime after 1846, as it doesn't appear on maps from that year. It was constructed close to another building called "Prisoners' Barracks No 2."

In 1966, the Australian government bought the land where The Arches stands from a local family.

What Does The Arches Look Like?

The parts of The Arches that are still standing are made of stone walls. The main wall has ten large arches, with another set of openings above them. It's believed that the rest of the building was made of wood.

On the south side, there was once a sloped roof. We don't know exactly how the rooms inside were arranged or what the floor levels were like.

What Was The Arches Used For?

Some people think The Arches was a prison barrack, but this isn't certain. It might be confused with the nearby Prisoners' Barracks No 2. It's also possible that the building was used to store farm products, or as stables for animals. Grain might have been stored there too. There's a large drain at one end of the building, which suggests it was used for farming activities.

The size and design of The Arches are quite interesting. It's much grander than you'd expect for a prison settlement. It also has a great view of a green valley, which used to be an old garden.

Because of its large size and impressive look, The Arches helps people imagine what life was like in the past. It adds a lot to the beauty of the Longridge landscape.

Close to The Arches, you can find other old buildings that are still standing. These include a former cookhouse, a store for food and a bakery, and Branka House. There are also plants that were brought to the island during the First and Second Settlements, like red cedar, citrus trees, banana trees, and a Moreton Bay Fig tree.

What Condition is The Arches In Today?

Around 1962, much of the building's surface was covered with mortar (a type of cement). It was still strong in 1984. However, by 2002, it was considered unstable, and cracks could be seen in the walls. The very top part of the north wall is now missing.

Why is The Arches Important?

The Arches building at Longridge is very important historically. It dates back to the 1840s and is directly connected to the Second Settlement of Norfolk Island. This was a tough time when the island was a prison for people who had committed crimes again. This harsh period is a big part of how people in Australia remember Norfolk Island's history.

Longridge was a major farming area on the island back then. The Arches, built towards the end of the Second Settlement, was clearly a key part of the farm's operations.

The building, with its strong stone walls, ten big arches, and other openings, is surprisingly grand for a prison settlement. This makes it very interesting! Its large size and dramatic look also help people feel a connection to the past, making it a beautiful and valuable part of the Longridge landscape.