Introduction
"Historic Antigua and Barbuda" came about as a result of my interest in a family Bible held by senior members of my family in the US. As I've looked for the story behind the bible, I've developed an interest in Caribbean colonial history and how developments over time in the Caribbean have influenced the American scene as we know it today.You cannot go very far in the Caribbean before encountering issues of race and slavery, and this makes study a moral and emotional challenge. Basically to make progress you are constantly presented with new perspectives on a world which to a modern person is repugnant and nearly unimaginable. Yet people lived, loved and died and As Blake said "A Terrible Beauty is Borne" and so it is that from nearly 400 years of sugar and rum and sweat and cruelty or indifference, epic battles and the mutual determination to endure , an extraordinary synthesis of blood and culture took place which now enriches and shadows modern life in the Americas.
There are many sources for researching Caribbean history in the U.K. and U.S., but the rich, often unique collections of material held in local archives, museums and historical societies {to name a few} are not readily accessible to most people outside the Indies. The internet is gradually helping to make such information more accessible .
This site is offered as a meeting place for anyone with an interest in colonial Antigua and Barbuda, and aims to spotlight efforts to expand knowledge of a shared heritage while providing information of help to those interested in family history.
In memory of the late Desmond Nicholson of Antigua for his support and generosity of spirit.
Chris Codrington
March 2007
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All pages on this site copyright CM Codrington 2008 information for private use only