Colonial Office and Predecessors: Sierra Leone Original Correspondence

This series contains original correspondence relating to Sierra Leone. Also relates to Fernando Po (before 1828 and after 1842) Senegambia, Gorée, Cape Coast Castle, Gambia (before 1828) and Gold Coast (before 1843).

Bound volumes arranged chronologically 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 précis of each letter giving name of correspondent, date of letter and subject matter. With some case volumes. From 1926 arrangement is by subject files.

For original correspondence after 1911 see also CO 554

For original correspondence with the Sierra Leone Company, 1800 to 1807, see WO 1/352

For further records relating to the Gold Coast see CO 96

For further records relating to Fernando Po see CO 82

For later records relating to Gambia see CO 87

Topics

International

Africa

The first British trading station in Sierra Leone was established in 1672. From 1791 Sierra Leone was governed by the Sierra Leone Company until it became a colony in 1808. Between 1821-1843 Gambia, and between 1821-1850, the Gold Coast, were included in the administration of Sierra Leone. In 1866 these three territories and also Lagos were governed together as the West African Settlements. In 1874 the Gold Coast and Lagos, and in 1888 Gambia, were separated from the West African Settlements, leaving Sierra Leone to be a single colony again. Sierra Leone became a fully independent member state of the Commonwealth on 27 April 1961, and became a republic on 19 April 1971.