Why was Norfolk Island used as a prison?
Norfolk Island was used as a prison because its remoteness, about 1,400 kilometres from the mainland, made escape almost impossible. Its second settlement, from 1825 to 1855, held the colonies' worst repeat offenders.
The first settlement began in March 1788, only weeks after the First Fleet reached Sydney. It was meant to grow food and harvest flax and pine, but supply problems led to its closure in 1814.
In 1825, the island reopened as a place of punishment for convicts who had committed further crimes in New South Wales and Van Diemen's Land. It became infamous for brutality, with harsh floggings, chains and solitary confinement.
Reform and closure
Commandant Alexander Maconochie, who arrived in 1840, introduced a reform system that rewarded good behaviour with marks toward release, an idea that later influenced parole systems. He was replaced after four years.
The prison closed in 1855, and the island was handed to Pitcairn Islanders, who arrived in 1856.
The Kingston and Arthur's Vale Historic Area is part of the World Heritage-listed Australian Convict Sites, with Georgian buildings, ruins and a cemetery.
Did You Know?
Major convict uprisings took place on Norfolk Island in 1834 and 1846, and several of their leaders were hanged.