Colonial Caribbean – Stretching from Jamaica and the Bahamas to Trinidad and Tobago, Colonial Caribbean makes available materials from 27 Colonial Office file classes from The National Archives, UK. Covering the history of the various territories under British colonial governance from 1624 to 1870, this extensive resource includes administrative documentation, trade and shipping records, minutes of council meetings, and details of plantation life, colonial settlement, imperial rivalries across the region, and the growing concern of absentee landlords.
This is a treasure trove if you have patience and give yourself time to learn how to search and navigate. A search in Colonial Caribbean is NOT “quick and easy” by any stretch! Here are a few tips and caveats:
1. When you execute a search, be mindful that results are very s-l-o-w to load.
2. Given the time period, many of the documents are handwritten and can be extremely difficult to read.
3. Review the “Essays and Video Interviews” section to better understand the content and context of this collection.
4. View the video “Uncovering Hidden Narratives within Colonial Documents” featuring historian and sociologist, Dr. Kristy Warren, for valuable insight on how researchers might use this collection and why it is important to question the narratives presented by colonial documents.
5. Per the collection notes: “Colonial Caribbean covers topics which are inextricably linked to stories of oppression and abuse. Please be aware that distressing content can be found throughout the documents and contextual essays in this resource, including graphic descriptions and first-hand accounts of physical or sexual abuse.”
As always, we are happy to help. You probably want to schedule an appointment for this one!
from Guiana Chronicle, 1837-1838