Catalogue description Colonial Office and Predecessors: St. Vincent Original Correspondence

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.

Prior to 1762 St Vincent was the subject of disputed possession between Britain and France and there had been some French settlement on the island. In that year Britain occupied the island and in the following year incorporated St Vincent into the government of the Windward Islands. From 1776 to 1779 St Vincent was governed separately and in 1779 was occupied by the French. The British reoccupied St Vincent in 1783. From 1833, St. Vincent was again within the Windward Islands government. From 1958-1962 St Vincent was a member of the Federation of the West Indies. In 1960 the post of governor of the Windward Islands was abolished, and a new constitution was introduced in each territory. St Vincent, which includes the islands which make up the Northern Grenadines, became an independent member state of the Commonwealth on 27 October 1979 under the name of St Vincent and the Grenadines.