For the unfortunate prisoners of Norfolk Island’s second penal colony, no assignment was worse than the Crankmill. Here, some 100 convicts – still shackled in chains – were forced to mill corn using human-powered machinery.

It was backbreaking work, designed with punishment rather than efficiency in mind. Records from the time recount witnesses hearing haunting wails from the prisoners inside.

The Crankmill was gutted by fire and now lies in ruins within the Kingston UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander the stone remnants and reflect on the cruel history.

The building didn’t always serve such a dark purpose. Prior to the instalment of the Crankmill, it functioned as a grain store and military barracks.