Colonial Office and predecessors: Montserrat Original Correspondence

CO 175

1726-1872

This series contains original correspondence relating to Montserrat. With the exception of the first volume, which contains correspondence dated 1726-1787, the series starts in 1853.

Bound volumes arranged chronologically and generally within the following subject headings: Despatches (letters of the Governors), Offices (letters of government departments and other organisations), and Individuals (arranged alphabetically). Each volume with a contents list, or a précis of each letter giving name of correspondent, date of letter and subject matter.

See also CO 318

For correspondence before 1816 and after 1872 see CO 152

For correspondence 1818-1852 see CO 7

Public Record(s)

English

21 volume(s)

Topics

International

Caribbean

Montserrat was settled by English from St Christopher in 1632. It was captured by the French in 1667, but restored to Britain by the Treaty of Breda in the same year. Montserrat was again captured by France in 1782, but restored to Britain in 1783. Montserrat was made part of the new government of the Leeward Islands in 1671. When this broke up in 1816, Montserrat joined with Antigua to form a separate governmental unit, but in 1833 they were reunited with the other Leeward Islands under a governor-in-chief. The Leeward Islands Federation was dissolved in 1958 when Montserrat became a colony in its own right. It was part of the Federation of the West Indies from 1958-1962.