Many businesses, schools and buildings named after Edward Colston have been re-named since 2017, and Colston’s statue was famously thrown into Bristol Docks by Black Lives Matter demonstrators in 2020. More information here.
This is a list of buildings, streets, objects, artwork, events and educational institutions that still honor Colston in Bristol. This list is a work-in-progress. If you spot any more examples, please email them to us at: counteringcolston@gmail.com
Buildings:
Colston’s Almshouses – St Michael’s Hill, BS2
Colston House – (student accomodation)
The Colston – (more student accomodation)
Colston House & Dolphin House – BS7
Colston Fort – NHS Drug & Alcohol Services
Colston Suite, Rooms A & B at Armada House
Streets that are still named after Colston:
Colston Avenue – Centre BS1
Colston Dale – Stapleton, BS16
Colston Parade – Redcliffe, BS1
Colston Road – Easton, BS5
Colston Street – Centre, BS1
Colston Street – Soundwell, BS16
Objects/”things” related to Colston:
Edward Colston’s fingernails and hair are kept at Merchant’s Hall. (As reported on page 4 of the linked edition of Colston’s Chronicle).
Colston Bun – Given out on Charter Day; sweet bun made of yeast dough and flavoured with dried fruit.
Bronze chrysanthemums – Colston’s favourite flower, used in commemoration ceremonies (see page 23). Until 2017, students of Colston’s Girls’ School wore his favourite flower at their annual Commemoration ceremony.
A skiff (boat) belonging to All-aboard Watersports, launched in 2014.
Art works related to Colston:
Colston Statue and Tomb – All Saints Church, Corn Street, BS1
Colston Bust – The original was moved from Armoury Square, Easton, BS5 to Bristol City Museum & Art Gallery, and replaced by a replica in situ.
‘Edward Colston’ by George Vertue after Jonathan Richardson, line engraving 1722.
‘The Death of Colston’, painting by Richard Jeffreys Lewis 1844 Bristol City Museum and Art Gallery.
Colston Window – St Mary Redcliffe Church, BS1
Organisations related or named after Colston:
Colston Research Society – Bristol University, BS8
Colston Lodge – Freemasons Hall, Park Street, BS1, as well as “daughter” lodges, Dolphin Lodge and Anchor Lodge
Events related to Colston:
Colston’s Girls’ School Commemoration Day – 4th November 2016 – Ceremony held in Bristol Cathedral – On this day the girls are expected to wear a bronze chrysanthemum (see page 23) in memory of Colston. In 2017, the school agreed to stop requiring their students to wear this flower.
Charter Day – 10th November 2016 – Another ceremony held in Bristol Cathedral, with Colston’s School, Merchant’s Academy (formally Withywood community school), and Colston’s Girls’ School (now a state-funded academy). The children are given Colston buns in memory of Colston.
Colston’s Day – 14th November 2016 – Edward Colston’s birthday was 2nd November but due to a calendar change in 1752 it moved to 13th November (and may be celebrated on the nearest weekday). Service is held at St Stephen’s church. There was also a “Colston Day Service and AGM” hosted by St Mary Redcliffe Church in October 2016.
Grateful Society annual dinner at the Red Lodge – traditions include a “silent toast” to Edward Colston (see page 5).
Schools and university named after Colston:
The Dolphin School – BS6 (named after one of the Colston societies)
Colston House at St Mary Redcliffe and Temple School – BS1
Bristol University – The dolphin on the university crest represents Edward Colston.