When did Charles Leigh establish the first English settlement in the British West Indies?
Charles Leigh established a short-lived settlement on the Wiapoco River in 1604. This location now forms part of the border between French Guiana and Brazil.
Questions about British West Indies
Short answers, pulled from the story.
How many slaves were brought to the British West Indies during the Atlantic slave trade?
Around 2.3 million slaves were brought to the British West Indies over several centuries. Planting sugar cane became a defining activity across islands like Antigua by 1823.
What dates define the existence of the West Indies Federation?
The West Indies Federation existed from the 3rd of January 1958 to the 31st of May 1962. It consisted of several Caribbean colonies of the United Kingdom before collapsing due to internal political conflicts.
Which five territories remain as British Overseas Territories today alongside Bermuda?
Five territories remain British Overseas Territories today alongside Bermuda including Anguilla, the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, Montserrat, and the Turks and Caicos Islands. All remain within the Commonwealth of Nations.
When did the Bahamas gain independence from Britain compared to other former colonies?
Most territories gained independence during the late 1950s and 1960s while The Bahamas became independent in 1973. Barbados followed in 1966 and Belize formerly known as British Honduras achieved independence in 1981.