The Island was discovered in 1506 by Portuguese admiral Tristao da Cunha. However, it passed a lot of time since the Island was settled. It was caused by harsh weather and agricultural conditions. The distance between the Island and continent also did not bring any profits.
First settlers were from Neaderlands or America, but they use the land only for couple of days while they were exploring the place or seal-hunting. In 1810 Tomasso Corri (Italy), Jonathan Lambert and Whilliams (both from America) moved to Tristan da Cunha. Lambert called himself the only owner of this land and renamed the Islands into 'Islands of Refreshment'. Both Americans sank during sealing in 1812. Till today there are legends about Lambert's treasure left in the Island.
Officialy, on 14th of August 1816 the Islands were taken under possession of King George III.
The first settlers, who stayed on the island were led by William Glass. In 1827 there were 14 people, four of whose were bachelors. Only Glass had a wife and family that time. There was organised big 'blind date' and five ladies were brought to Tristan. In that time on the island setteled Thomas Swain, a lonely sailor and all five women find a husband. By the 1834 there were 41 people and 27 of them were children!
In 1856 William Glass died. 25 members of his family left the island. After them also others families emigrated. Peter Green, as a new spokesman (unofficial), become responsible for 28 people who decided to stay on Tristan. Because of political and economic situation in the world the Islands of Tristan da Cunha become increasingly isolated place. Soon, community of Tristan was titled by the Guinness Book of Record as the most isolated in the World.
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