The Gruesome Story of the Bloody Bridge on Norfolk island

Bloody Bridge, located in Kingston on Norfolk Island, is a historic structure entwined with a dark and intriguing legend from the island's convict era.

Built during the early 19th century by convict labor, the bridge spans a small stream that flows into Cemetery Bay.

The Bloody Bridge - Norfolk Island

According to local lore, the name "Bloody Bridge" originates from a gruesome event during its construction.It was originally built by the convicts so that they could cross the stream during flooding.

It's said that an oppressive overseer relentlessly drove his convict work gang to the brink, leading them to retaliate by embedding a pickaxe in his skull.

Fearing punishment the convicts decided to wall up the body of the dead overseer into the bridge's stonework. Pretending to be ignorant when questioned about the man's sudden disappearance all well well for the work gang until the replacement overseer noticed blood oozing from the still wet mortar.

The tale ends here, leading to the convicts' apprehension and execution.

While this story adds a chilling aspect to the bridge, historical records do not tell us that the event really happened, suggesting it may be more folklore than fact. Some historians say that the name could have been inspired by a similarly named bridge in Dublin, Ireland, reflecting the cultural influences of Irish convicts on the island.

Norfolk Island is renowned for its haunted reputation, with numerous accounts of ghostly encounters, particularly in the Kingston area.

However, specific hauntings directly associated with Bloody Bridge are not well-documented.

The bridge remains a significant historical landmark, offering visitors a glimpse into the island's complex past and the enduring tales that have shaped its cultural heritage.

Yet, people have experienced paranormal phenomena whilst exploring the bloody bridge and certainly many tour groups may take you to the spot on your visit to the island to let you see if you might experience anything.

I've also heard the fun story of children asking their parents to drive over the bridge just so they could say the word 'bloody'!

Bloody Bridge - National Library of Australia

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