Uncovering Norfolk Island’s Rich History
Botanical Guide, Judy Horton reflects on the discovery of Norfolk Island and delves into the island’s rich and distinctive flora.
History
When Captain Cook reached Norfolk Island in 1774, he noted that he and his crew were the first humans to land there. Cook’s favourable reports encouraged Arthur Phillip to send a small, convict-heavy contingent to settle the island just a few weeks after the First Fleet’s arrival in Botany Bay. This group and the two later and larger convict settlements never realised that Cook was wrong. Uncovered artefacts have since revealed that Polynesian sailors frequently visited Norfolk Island hundreds of years before Cook’s arrival.
Convict Abandonment
After the abandonment of the convict settlements, Queen Victoria granted Norfolk Island to the descendants of the Bounty mutineers. As a result, the human history of Norfolk has been much influenced by the customs of 18th century English sailors and their Tahitian wives. Norfolk has developed its own language (N’folk) and follows many Polynesian traditions in food, song, dancing and handiwork. Visitors to the island rejoice in experiencing this fascinating cultural blend
Then there’s Norfolk’s natural world. Since the bare island rose from the sea about three million years ago, it’s been colonised by plants, birds and a tiny number of animals that have flown, blown or drifted in before subsequently evolving in this unique and beautiful environment.