GlenysHistoric Kingston, Norfolk Island
April 22nd 2011 00:29
... and some old buildings are bursting with history ...
Norfolk Island is a small South Pacific island which offers a relaxing holiday to any traveller fortunate enough to have the opportunity to visit.
There are numerous interesting things to do and observe while on the island. We found a week on the island was good, two weeks would have given us more time to absorb the history, unique scenery and special lifestyle this beautiful island have to offer.
The history of Norfolk Island is alive, especially around Kingston.
The first settlement, which was centred around the Kingston Pier, began in 1788, when Lieutenant Phillip Gidley King accompanied by seven freemen and fifteen convicts, arrived to settle the island.
The pier has been an important landing place for sea craft since the first landing in 1788.
The second settlement began in 1825 when the isolation of the island was considered beneficial for a convict settlement. Up to 2000 prisoners were sent to the island and they suffered horrendous conditions under sadistic officers. The buildings we admire today were built by convict gangs.
We enjoyed walking around the old buildings, reading the plaques and going on the informative tag-a-long tours which are organised by volunteers from the Museums. Some of the historic buildings have been restored to their original glory, the ruins of others are reminders of a past era.
This building was begun in 1827 and over the passing of the years had many uses.
We joined a tag-a-long tour and the stories told about life in these barracks are horrendous. It leaves one wondering how human beings can be so cruel to other human beings.
Quality Row is the main street in Kingston. Its buildings were constructed during the second settlement.
No. 10 Quality Row was built in 1844 for the Foreman of Works, and was later occupied by Pitcairn families after their arrival on Norfolk in 1856. Access to original plans has allowed faithful restoration of this beautiful Georgian house. We joined a tag-a-long tour to look over the house and its furnishings and later returned to have a second look at it and its surrounds.
The third settlement began in 1856 when the Pitcairn Islanders arrived at the pier to settle on Norfolk Island. They used many of the existing buildings for their own purposes. The Pitcairn Islanders were descendants from the mutineers of the Bounty, and many of their descendants live on Norfolk Island today.
Norfolk Island is a small South Pacific island which offers a relaxing holiday to any traveller fortunate enough to have the opportunity to visit.
There are numerous interesting things to do and observe while on the island. We found a week on the island was good, two weeks would have given us more time to absorb the history, unique scenery and special lifestyle this beautiful island have to offer.
The history of Norfolk Island is alive, especially around Kingston.
Kingston, Norfolk Island, from Queen Elizabeth Lookout
The first settlement, which was centred around the Kingston Pier, began in 1788, when Lieutenant Phillip Gidley King accompanied by seven freemen and fifteen convicts, arrived to settle the island.
Rough seas at Kingston Pier, Norfolk Island
Kingston Pier, Norfolk Island
Charming historical building and boat near the Kingston Pier
The second settlement began in 1825 when the isolation of the island was considered beneficial for a convict settlement. Up to 2000 prisoners were sent to the island and they suffered horrendous conditions under sadistic officers. The buildings we admire today were built by convict gangs.
We enjoyed walking around the old buildings, reading the plaques and going on the informative tag-a-long tours which are organised by volunteers from the Museums. Some of the historic buildings have been restored to their original glory, the ruins of others are reminders of a past era.
Old Commissariats Store, Norfolk Island - now a Museum and All Saints Church
Old building at the back of the old Surgeons Quarters, Kingston, Norfolk Island
Crankmill, Kingston, Norfolk Island
Remnants of the 'New Gaol', Norfolk Island.
The site of the notorious Prisoner Barracks, Norfolk Island
We joined a tag-a-long tour and the stories told about life in these barracks are horrendous. It leaves one wondering how human beings can be so cruel to other human beings.
No 10 Quality Row, Norfolk Island
Quality Row is the main street in Kingston. Its buildings were constructed during the second settlement.
No. 10 Quality Row was built in 1844 for the Foreman of Works, and was later occupied by Pitcairn families after their arrival on Norfolk in 1856. Access to original plans has allowed faithful restoration of this beautiful Georgian house. We joined a tag-a-long tour to look over the house and its furnishings and later returned to have a second look at it and its surrounds.
The third settlement began in 1856 when the Pitcairn Islanders arrived at the pier to settle on Norfolk Island. They used many of the existing buildings for their own purposes. The Pitcairn Islanders were descendants from the mutineers of the Bounty, and many of their descendants live on Norfolk Island today.
*** Congratulations to the people whose foresight has been responsible for the restoration and preservation of this historic place and its buildings ***
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