Edward Colston’s remains likely to stay at Bristol church under community plans

The remains of Edward Colston are likely to stay interred at All Saints church in Bristol if the building is given a new use as a community space, The Guardian reported. Colston, described by the newspaper as a slave trader, is buried at the church, which has been unused for years. The building stands on one of Bristol’s busiest streets.

The dean of Bristol, the Very Rev Mandy Ford, said Colston’s remains would probably remain where they are at All Saints. Her comments were reported as the church may be considered for a new lease of life as a community resource. The available material does not say what organisation might take over the building, what type of community facilities could be created or when any change of use might occur.

It also does not provide details about the church’s current ownership or the arrangements for maintaining the burial site. The report’s central point is that a possible future conversion of the building would not necessarily involve moving Colston’s remains.