Christopher Codrington

Christopher Codrington
Governor of the Leeward Islands
In office
1699–1704
MonarchsWilliam III (1699–1702)
Queen Anne (1702–1704)
Preceded byChristopher Codrington
Succeeded byJohn Johnson
Personal details
Bornc. 1668
Barbados
Died7 April 1710(1710-04-07) (aged 41)
Barbados
Resting placeAll Souls College, Oxford
SpouseMauldline Morange
ChildrenWilliam Codrington
Alma materChrist Church, Oxford
OccupationArmy officer, planter, colonial administrator
Military service
Allegiance England
Branch/service English Army
RankLieutenant-Colonel
Unit1st Regiment of Foot Guards
Battles/wars

Lieutenant-Colonel Christopher Codrington (c. 1668 – 7 April 1710) was an English Army officer, planter and colonial administrator who served as governor of the Leeward Islands from 1699 to 1704. Born on Barbados into the planter class, he inherited one of the largest sugar plantations in the colony. Codrington travelled to Europe during the late-17th century and served in the Nine Years' War and War of the Spanish Succession, taking part in numerous engagements.

After dying in 1710, his will and testament established and endowed Codrington College with his estates in Barbados and Barbuda. Codrington's will also endowed the Codrington Library at All Souls College, Oxford with a gift of books and money. In November 2020, his name was removed from the library as a result of the George Floyd protests due to Codrington's ownership of slaves.