Guilford Center in South Central Region, Connecticut — The American Northeast (New England)
Governor William Leete
Photographed by Conrad Ward, November 24, 2024
1. Governor William Leete Marker
William Leete provided leadership through troubled times in Guilford when the town's spiritual leader, Reverend Henry Whitfield, and others, returned to England during the 1650s. A grateful community granted him the section of town known as "Leete's Island." An early governor of the New Haven and Connecticut colonies, he defied the King of England in 1661 by hiding two "regicide judges" in the cellar of his shop off River Street.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1661.
Location. 41° 16.929′ N, 72° 40.893′ W. Marker is in Guilford in South Central Region, Connecticut. It is in Guilford Center. It is at the intersection of Whitfield Street (Connecticut Route 77) and Boston Street ( Route 146), on the left when traveling south on Whitfield Street. Located on the Guilford Green. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Guilford CT 06437, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Connecticut River Valley, on the Connecticut Shoreline, and in Greater New Haven. It is also in the American Northeast and in New England. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Haven County and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Guilford Green as a Cemetery (a few steps from this marker); Shaumpishuh (within shouting distance of this marker); Henry Whitfield House (within shouting distance of this marker); Hyland House (within shouting distance of this
this page online
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. Judges Cave. Another place where the two "regicide judges" hid.
Also see . . . William Leete (Wikipedia). (Submitted on May 12, 2025.)
Photographed by Conrad Ward, November 24, 2024
2. Governor William Leete Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on May 19, 2026. It was originally submitted on May 12, 2025, by Conrad Ward of Guilford, Connecticut. This page has been viewed 177 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 12, 2025, by Conrad Ward of Guilford, Connecticut. • Michael Herrick was the editor who published this page.
