Seaman Settlers of Colonial Norfolk Island 1788 - 1814

The Seamen Settlers of Norfolk Island were not just from the late HMS Sirius but were also from the late Endeavour shipwrecked at Dusky Sound (Tamatea) South Island New Zealand in late 1795 and abandoned seaman from the late East Indiaman Hunter 1799 shipwrecked on Norfolk Island among others. Shipwrecks are a testament to the challenging maritime conditions and form an important part of Norfolk Island’s history. Not all the Seaman Settlers worked as seafarers on Norfolk Island but were farmers and general labourers, with some eventually returning to the sea after leaving Norfolk Island.

A great deal of new material has been discovered during the archival investigations for this publication including the East Indiaman Hunter, which was shipwrecked on Norfolk Island in 1799, depositing a few stranded seamen who became settlers. On viewing all the primary records relating to Norfolk Island Seaman Settlers both on and offline, this brought to light the interchanging usage of the names of the numerous Muslin seaman settlers in the records. The individual profiles of seamen settlers include their NSW and Norfolk Island arrivals, some Norfolk Island land holdings, their lives on Norfolk Island and later in NSW and VDL, along with some details on the next generation. 

Thus, exploring the lesser-known stories of the seamen settlers who also played a crucial role in the island’s early development of colonial times of 1788 – 1814. These records do provide valuable insights into the historical context of Norfolk
island.

Seaman Settlers of Colonial Norfolk Island 1788 - 1814  is being launched on Norfolk Island in October 2024, pre-publication special $23.00 is avail for orders until 15 Sep 2024, price includes postage (Australia Only). Orders to be posted in early October.

• Location of Norfolk Island Seaman Settlers in 1819