Proprietary colony

A proprietary colony was a type of British colony established when a proprietor—an individual or group—was granted land by the Crown to govern. The proprietor had significant authority to create laws, appoint officials, and manage the colony's affairs, often with the goal of developing the land and attracting settlers. This arrangement allowed for more localized control compared to royal colonies directly controlled by the Crown. Notable examples include Pennsylvania and Maryland, where private owners or groups managed the colonies under the terms set by England, blending private enterprise with colonial governance.