British Leeward Islands

Quick Facts: Who was British Leeward Islands?

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British Leeward Islands

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A British Caribbean colony that underwent significant administrative changes from 1671 to the mid-20th century.

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2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The British Leeward Islands was a British colony from 1671 to 1958, consisting of the English (later British) overseas possessions in the Leeward Islands. It ceased to exist from 1816 to 1833, during which time it was split into two separate colonies (Antigua-Barbuda-Montserrat and Saint Christopher-Nevis-Anguilla–Virgin Islands). It was dissolved in 1958 after the separation of the British Virgin Islands, and the remaining islands became parts of the West Indies Federation. The Stamp Act 1765 was greatly opposed in the Leeward Islands. The rate was twice as high for islands than for mainland colonies.

Career & Major Achievements

Stamp duties were also tripled on crown land grants. More stamps were apportioned to the Leeward Islands than to any of the colonies on the mainland. The act did not bring any benefits to the islands, unlike the mainland colonies, as they would not receive additional military protection. The number of British soldiers in Antiqua fell from 700 to under 350 in 1764. Samuel Martin, a former speaker of the Antiqua assembly, stated that the Stamp Act violated the rights in the Magna Carta, common law, and the Glorious Revolution.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Riots against the Stamp Act broke out in St. Kitts and Nevis on 31 October and 5 November 1765. Around half of the free white male population in St. Kitts participated in the riots. The Leeward Islands were united again as a semi-federal entity in 1833, coming together until 1872 under the administration of the Governor of Antigua. The islands then became known as the Federal Colony of the Leeward Islands from 1872 to 1956. From 1833 to 1940, Dominica was part of the colony; in 1940, it was transferred to the British Windward Islands group.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1671: 1671 Milestone — The British Leeward Islands was a British colony from 1671 to 1958, consisting of the English (later British) overseas possessions in the Leeward Islands.
2. 1764: 1764 Milestone — The number of British soldiers in Antiqua fell from 700 to under 350 in 1764.
3. 1765: 1765 Milestone — The Stamp Act 1765 was greatly opposed in the Leeward Islands.
4. 1816: 1816 Milestone — It ceased to exist from 1816 to 1833, during which time it was split into two separate colonies (Antigua-Barbuda-Montserrat and Saint Christopher-Nevis-Anguilla–Virgin Islands).
5. 1833: 1833 Milestone — The Leeward Islands were united again as a semi-federal entity in 1833, coming together until 1872 under the administration of the Governor of Antigua.
6. 1872: 1872 Milestone — The islands then became known as the Federal Colony of the Leeward Islands from 1872 to 1956.
7. 1958: 1958 Milestone — It was dissolved in 1958 after the separation of the British Virgin Islands, and the remaining islands became parts of the West Indies Federation.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: British Leeward Islands

True or False: “The Leeward Islands remained a single, unified administrative entity until 1958.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): The colony was split into two separate entities between 1816 and 1833 before being reunited as a semi-federal unit.

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Frequently Asked Questions about British Leeward Islands