Sierra Leone was an important centre of the transatlantic slave trade in the 18thcentury. The capital Freetown was founded in 1787 by the Sierra Leone Company as a home for former slaves who had been freed and had elected to fight for the British during the American War of Independence.
In 1808, Freetown became a British Crown Colony but not until 1896 did the interior of the country became a British Protectorate. Sixtyfive years later, the Crown Colony and Protectorate joined and gained independence in 1961.
For eleven years, from 1991-2002, Sierra Leone was decimated by un-Civil War. This instability was resolved by UN and British forces who disarmed 17,000 militia and rebels (including many child soldiers), and the country has been increasingly more peaceful since then.
There are a mass of useful websites that can offer more detailed information regarding Sierra Leone’s history.
You should note that during British governence of the country, the existing tribal / chiefdom system was utilised to effectively administer this colony, and protectorate. This system of governmental administration remains important and, infact, the operation of this very Charity has been able to make significant progress due to the good will of the people and the agreement and support of various Paramount Chiefs and their generous gift of land. Very recently in December 2007 the national government also recognised the commitment of Mercy Children and donated further land in Freetown.
Thank You.
