1792 Government House Norfolk Island
Phillip Gidley King returned to Norfolk Island on November 1791 per Atlantic; and finding the 1788 Government House in disrepair and thus built a new Government House, which was completed in December 1792.
February 1792: The first Government house from 1788 was falling apart and unsafe. A new foundation was laid on 1 February 1792, to be built with bricks if suitable. Four very indifferent stonemasons, and 26 twenty six labourers including lime burners, began laying a foundation behind the old one on the 1 February 1792.
March 1792: On 21 March, the square of the new Government house was finished; 65’ long, 30’ wide, with 13’ feet high walls. Due to poor brickmaking, it was completed with stone cemented by lime for durability.
May 1792: The government house roof was completed with now six carpenters are working inside.
August 1792: Convict workers still building the Lieutenant Governor’s dwelling.
September 1792: The carpenters (Nathaniel Lucas and his convict team) were finishing off Government House.
December 1792: Government House finished, with a final cost of £700 (some $140,000 in 2025 value.
Today the ruins of the 1792 Government House situated on the crest at Kingston on Norfolk Island at KAVHA World Heritage listed and featured in “Step back in Time” which is part of the Norfolk Island History Lovers Tour
References: King Journal and letter of Philip Gidley King, 1791-1796 NLA MS 70: 19; 22; 23; 30; 38; 48; 52
