George Doncaster

Slave-owner in Trinidad.

Elizabeth Doncaster was listed as a recipient of compensation but was acting as executor to her brother George who was born in Ollerton in 1776 and lived in Edwinstowe, Nottinghamshire.

George Doncaster was the third son of Charles Doncaster and Ann Holt. At age 16 he was apprenticed to surgeon Thomas Wright. It is possible he became a ship's surgeon and that is how he came to be in Trinidad by 1804. G. Doncaster and Dr. Doncaster are mentioned in governor Col. Fullarton's statement outlining the severity of his predecessor Governor Picton's punishments.

His will dated 1826 gives more information about his house, 12 Chacon Street in Port of Spain as well as his sugar plantation Buena Vista in Pointe de Pierre and his four natural children.

George Doncaster died 02/06/1832.

The compensation claim for Buena Vista in 1836 for 38 enslaved people resulted in a payment of £1877 and 12 shillings. The registers of the enslaved show names and numbers of those held by George Doncaster and indicate that he was absent from the estate from around 1826.

We are grateful to Nicola Holmes for assistance in compiling this entry.

Colonel William Fullarton, A Statement, Letters, and Documents, Respecting the Affairs of Trinidad Including a Reply to Colonel Picton's Address to the Council of that Island. B. McMillan, 1804.

Email correspondence with Nicola Holmes dated 05/03/2025.