Sierra Leone Colonial Records

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Colonial Records

British Colonization (1787-1961)

British colonization began in 1787 following the Revolutionary War, when thousands of freed slaves arrived in Sierra Leone from England to form a settlement. In 1896, a British protectorate was established. After World War Two, the people of Sierra Leone began to increase their demands for freedom from British rule. In 1961, Sierra Leone became an independent state within the Commonwealth of Nations, and in 1971 the Republic of Sierra Leone was declared.

Record collection	Years covered	Record type	Language	Who is in the records
The Prerogative Court of Canterbury (PCC), 1384-1858	1659-1856	Wills	English	Until 1858, all wills had to be proved by the church and other courts. Most of the individuals in these records were relatively wealthy.
British Armed Forces and Overseas Births and Baptisms, COUNTRY at Findmypast - index & images ($)	1821-1995	Births and Baptisms	English	Children born to those working within the armed forces, merchant navy, and consular forces, as well as, civilian ship passengers.
British Armed Forces and Overseas Banns and Marriages, COUNTRY at Findmypast - index & images ($)	1844-1964	Banns and marriages	English	British armed forces members and civilians who were married abroad and at sea
British Armed Forces and Overseas Deaths and Burials, COUNTRY at Findmypast - index & images ($)	1849-1979	Deaths and burials	English	Members of the British armed forces who died while serving their country overseas, British civilians who died while traveling or working overseas, and individuals (including seaman) who died at sea.
British Civil Service Evidence Of Age at Findmypast - index ($)	1831-1863	Civil Service applications and paperwork	English	Individuals who worked for, or applied to join, the British Civil Service.
Sierra Leone Public Archivs: Records of Colonial Governors, Police and Court Officials in Freetown and Neighbouring Villages at British Library - images	1818-1901	Administrative records	English	Administration, individuals connected with criminal offenses