British Leeward Islands

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 (AntiguaBarbuda–Montserrat and Saint Christopher–Nevis–AnguillaVirgin 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.

Federal Colony of the Leeward Islands
  • 1671–1816
  • 1833–1958
Anthem: "God Save the Queen/King"
StatusColony of the United Kingdom
CapitalSt. John's
Common languages
Religion
Christianity (Anglican, Catholic, Methodist)
GovernmentConstitutional monarchy
Monarch 
 1671–1685 (first)
Charles II
 1952–1958 (last)
Elizabeth II
Governor in Chief 
 1671-1683 (first)
William Stapleton
 1956–1958 (last)
Alexander Williams
History 
 Established
1671
 Divided
1816
 Reformed
1833
 Federal colony
1871
 Dominica joined
1871
 Dominica left
1940
 Joined West Indies Federation
1958
 Federation dissolved
31 May 1962
Currency
  • Pound sterling (official)
  • Spanish dollar
  • Mexican peso
Preceded by
Succeeded by
Anguilla
Antigua
Barbuda
Dominica
Montserrat
Nevis
Saint Christopher
Virgin Islands
West Indies Federation
British Virgin Islands
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