OUR STORY
Slavery and the Codringtons in Antigua/Barbuda

On August 1st, 1834, over 30,000 slaves received full and immediate freedom in Antigua, the churches were filled to overflowing with thanksgiving worshipers. The transition was peaceful.

Antigua was the only island in the Lesser Antilles which bypassed the 4 year apprenticeship period.

Granting the slaves immediate freedom held many economic advantages for the planters:

• They were relieved of caring for the sick, young and the old disabled workers.
• They were guaranteed labour as the freed men and women had no where else to find employment.
• The compensation they received help to offset estate debts.

Humanitarians advocated that the slaves were sufficiently educated and disciplined to be given full freedom at once.

After emancipation, conditions continued to be hard for the freed slaves. They were legally freed, yet still bound to the plantation.

No good land was available for cultivation, and the wages paid by the plantations were paltry. Long working hours continued, and the sick and destitute had little recourse.

After emancipation, Rev. Holberton of the Anglican Church founded the Saint John’s Church Society to help members in time of sickness.

A few slaves obtained their freedom by their masters’ testaments or through self-purchases. Children of manumitted women were also freed. By 1821, there were 3,895 free men, women and children in Antigua but they had no civil or political rights.

This is a letter written by Edward Codrington to his master begging to purchase his freedom. As noted below and as was the custom, many slaves had taken the surname of their master.

	Cotton NWork Estate – September 6th (c. 1830?)


My Dear Master

     I have taken the liberty of addressing you on a most 
particular favour, this is asking your permission to allow 
me the privilege of purchasing myself and I hope this may 
not be an offence to you if so I will be extremely sorry my 
dear Master this address is with a sincere regard toward 
your welfare as well as myself.  I shiver at the attempt of 
asking the favour from knowing that you have a family 
which must inherit us here after.

I remain My Dear Master
Your most Humble and 
Obedient Servant

Edward George Codrington