Essequibo is the name of a Dutch colony founded in 1616 and located in the region of the Essequibo River. There was a brief English occupation from 1665 to 1666. From 27 February 1781 to February 1782 there was a British occupation of Demerara, Essequibo, and Berbice (subordinated to Barbados).

Essequibo became a British territory on 13 August 1814, and was joined with the Colony of Demerara. On 21 July 1831 Demerara-Essequibo was united with Berbice into British Guiana.

Governors of Essequibo

• Adrian Groenewegen (1616 - 1624)
• Jacob Conijn (1624 - 1627)
• Jan van der Goes (1627 - 1638)
• Cornelis Pieterszoon Hose (1638 - 1641)
• Andriaen van der Woestijne (1641 - 1644)
• Andriaen Janszoon (1644 - 16..)
• Aert Adriaenszoon Groenewegel (1657 - 1664)
• John Scott (1665 - 1666)
• Crynssen (1666)
• Adriaen Groenewegel (1666)
• Baerland (1667 - 1670)
• Hendrik Bol (1670 - 1676)
• Jacob Hars (1676 - 1678)
• Abraham Beekman (1678 - 1690)
• Samuel Beekman (2 Nov 1690 - 10 Dec 1707)
• Peter van der Heyden Resen (10 Dec 1707 - 24 Jul 1719)
• Laurens de Heere (24 Jul 1719 - 12 Oct 1729)
• Hermanus Gelskerke (d. 1742) (12 Oct 1729 - Apr 1742)
• Laurens Storm van 's Gravesande (d. 1775) (Apr 1742 - 1752; acting to 1743)
• Robert Nicholson (27 Feb 1781 - 1782)
• Abraham Jacob van Imbijze van Batenburg (22 Apr 1796 - 27 Mar 1802)

Commanders of Essequibo

• Albert Siraut des Touches (1784)
• Johannes Cornelis Bert (1784 - 1787)
• Albertus Backer (1st time) (1787 - 1789)
• Gustaaf Eduard Meijerhelm (1789 - 1791)
• Matthijs Thierens (1791 - 1793)
• Albertus Backer (2nd time) (1793 - 22 Apr 1796)
• George Hendrik Trotz (27 Mar 1802 - Sep 1803)

Directors-general

• Laurens Storm van 's Gravesande (1752 - 2 Nov 1772)
• George Hendrik Trotz (2 Nov 1772 - 1781)

See also

• History of Guyana

History of Guyana | Dutch colonies | Former British colonies