Welcome to Norfolk Island's Home on the Web

Norfolk Island is but a speck on the surrounding two million empty square miles of seascape. In the South Pacific Ocean, this three by five mile volcanic outcrop is a subtropical paradise - but a paradise which has known inhuman brutality.

Discovered by Captain James Cook, it was claimed by him for Great Britain and named in honour of the Duchess of Norfolk. Cook's crew were struck by the island's rugged beauty and the abundance of flax and pine.

Cook sailed on, and the island was to remain uninhabited for a further 14 years. Since then the island has seen two penal settlements come and go, the second of which was the most brutal ever established by Britain.

In 1856 the island received those who call it home to this day - the Pitcairners, descendants of the Bounty Mutineers. During the intervening 140 years these people have nurtured the island to make it a prosperous, tranquil and beautiful place. Thousands of people from all over the world now come to experience the history, beauty and unique Pitcairn culture that make Norfolk Island a paradise on Earth.

However, paradise is threatened...

This site, created by Norfolk Island's Society of Pitcairn Descendants and jpwebworks, explores the history of Norfolk Island from its formation millions of years ago to its beauty today, and outlines the struggles of its indigenous population - fighting against a bloodless genocide.