First Settlement (1788-1814) NorfolkIsland is the site of one of the earliest European settlements in the Southwest Pacific. It is arguably the most famous place of secondary punishment for nineteenth century British Convicts.In 1814 the settlement was abandoned, following destruction of all buildings to discourage unauthorised occupation of the Island.Norfolk Island was to remain uninhabited for another 11 years.
Second Settlement (1825-1855) A second penal settlement was established in 1825, without free settlers, for the worst convicts from New South Wales and Van Diemen's Land. During the Second Settlement the fine buildings at Kingston were built by convicts. However, by 1855 public pressure finally led to the abandonment off the Island as a penal colony. Many of the convicts were transported to Port Arthur and New Norfolk in Van Diemens' Land (Tasmania).
