Edward Colston’s remains likely to stay at Bristol church that could become community space

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Published: 2026-09-21T14:51:02.017Z • Permanent link

Bristol City Council's decision to leave the remains of slave trader Edward Colston interred in the All Saints church has sparked controversy, but it appears that the bones of the enslaver are likely to remain in the church, which may be repurposed as a community space. The church, located in the heart of Bristol, has been closed for years, and its future use has been a topic of discussion among local residents and community groups. In 2020, a statue of Colston was toppled during a protest, marking a significant turning point in the city's efforts to confront its past and come to terms with its history of slavery and colonialism.

Local residents and historians have been pushing for the church to be repurposed as a community space, citing the need for a more inclusive and representative use of the building. However, some have expressed concerns that the church's history and the presence of Colston's remains could be a distraction or a source of controversy. The city council's decision to leave the remains in the church has been seen as a compromise between these competing interests, and it is likely that the issue will continue to be debated in the coming months.

The Bristol Black Heritage Centre, a local organization dedicated to promoting the history and culture of the city's Black community, has been vocal in its support for the church's repurposing. The centre's director, Jane Thompson, has stated that the church has the potential to be a powerful symbol of the city's commitment to reconciliation and healing. However, others have expressed concerns that the church's history and the presence of Colston's remains could be a source of tension or conflict.

Historic preservation efforts in Bristol will be closely watched in the coming months, as the city council's decision on the All Saints church has significant implications for the preservation of the city's cultural heritage. The Bristol Black Heritage Centre's push for the church's repurposing has been seen as a key part of the city's efforts to come to terms with its past and promote greater inclusivity and diversity. The centre's efforts have been supported by local residents, community groups, and city officials, and it is likely that the issue will continue to be a major focus of attention in the coming months.

The city council's decision on the All Saints church has also been seen as a significant development in the broader context of Bristol's cultural heritage, which is closely tied to its history of slavery and colonialism. The city's efforts to come to terms with its past and promote greater inclusivity and diversity have been widely praised, and the repurposing of the All Saints church is seen as a key part of this effort. The city's cultural heritage is closely tied to its history of slavery and colonialism, and the repurposing of the All Saints church is seen as a significant step towards reconciliation and healing.

Bristol's history of slavery and colonialism is a complex and multifaceted topic, and the city's efforts to come to terms with its past are closely tied to its broader cultural heritage. The city's Black Heritage Centre is part of a wider movement of organizations and individuals working to promote greater inclusivity and diversity, and the repurposing of the All Saints church is seen as a key part of this effort. The city's history of slavery and colonialism is closely tied to its relationship with the wider world, and the repurposing of the All Saints church is seen as a significant step towards promoting greater global awareness and understanding.