Colonial Office and Predecessors: Trinidad Original Correspondence

CO 295

1783-1951

This series contains original correspondence relating to Trinidad. With the exception of the first volume which covers the years 1783-1817, the correspondence commences in 1802. After 1888 correspondence relating to Tobago is also included.

Bound volumes arranged chronologically and mainly 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. From 1926 the correspondence is arranged in subject files.

For earlier records of Tobago see CO 285

For later records see CO 1031 WO 1/93 WO 1/94 WO 1/95

See also CO 318

For earlier records of Tobago see also CO 321

For further original correspondence, 1797 to 1801, see:

Public Record(s)

English

656 files and volumes

Subject to 30 year closure unless otherwise stated

Topics

International

Caribbean

Trinidad was a Spanish colony until 1797 when it was occupied by Britain. It was formally ceded to Britain in 1802. The island of Tobago (formerly administered through the Windward Islands government) was amalgamated with Trinidad from 1 January 1889 after which time the colony was known as Trinidad and Tobago. From 1958-1962 Trinidad and Tobago was a member state of the Federation of the West Indies. It became a fully independent state within the Commonwealth on 31 August 1962, and a republic in 1976.