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Demerara-Essequibo
Former British colony in South America From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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The Colony of Demerara-Essequibo was created on 28 April 1812,[1] when the British combined the colonies of Demerara and Essequibo into the colony of Demerara-Essequibo.[2] They were officially ceded to Britain on 13 August 1814. On 20 November 1815, the agreement was ratified by the Netherlands.[3] On 21 July 1831, Demerara-Esequibo united with Berbice as British Guiana.[4]
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Overview
In 1745, Demerara was created as a separate Dutch colony out of a part of Essequibo.[5] Demerara quickly became more successful than Essequibo.[6] The rivalry between the colonies[7] resulted in the creation of a combined Court of Policy in Fort Zeelandia in 1783, and both colonies were governed by the same governor; however, there were still two Courts of Justice, one for Demerara and one for Essequibo.[8] On 28 April 1812, the two colonies were officially combined,[1] however 1815 is used as end date, because the ratification eliminated the last legal obstacles.[3]
On 18 August 1823, there was a slave rebellion involving more than 10,000 slaves, which resulted in the deaths of hundreds of slaves.[9]
On 21 July 1831, Demerara-Esequibo united with Berbice as British Guiana.[4]
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Currency
The colony continued to use Dutch currency throughout British control, with issued coins ranging from 3 bits up to 3 guilder. Coins bearing the colony's name were minted from 1809 to 1835. The Dutch currency was demonetised after unification and in 1839 was replaced with the British Guiana dollar.[10]
Administrators
Lieutenant Governors
- John Murray (1814–1824)
- Sir Benjamin d'Urban (1824–1831)
See also
References
Bibliography
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