Lords Proprietors of Carolina, Related Entries

Related Entries

A painting of earl Anthony Ashley Cooper, depicted in a long robe that is intricate with gold and burgundy colors included. He is depicted with very long, curly hair parted in the middle, as well as a slight mustache. He is seated holding a piece of paper and the room he is depicted in is also dark and elaborately decorated.

With the aid of John Locke, who was a member of his household and secretary to the proprietorship, Lord Ashley wrote the Fundamental Constitutions for the colony and oversaw arrangements for the expedition that brought the first permanent English settlers to South Carolina.

Fundamental Constitution of Carolina

The Fundamental Constitutions established a Carolina aristocracy, with the Lords Proprietors at the apex of society, provincial nobles called landgraves and cassiques (or caciques), and freemen. Landless tenants, called leetmen, were the base of the social pyramid described in the constitution. Slavery was authorized and protected.

Colleton, Sir John

Until his death, Colleton was the foremost leader of the Lords Proprietors. Under Colleton’s direction, the proprietors set out to populate “Carolina” with settlers from existing New World colonies, including New England, Virginia, and the Caribbean islands, especially Barbados.

Archdale, John

In August 1694 Archdale was chosen by his fellow proprietors as governor of the Carolinas, and he arrived in Charleston the following year.