Edward Colston's Remains Likely to Stay at Bristol Church Site 2026

Edward Colston's remains are likely to stay at a Bristol church that could become a community space, it has emerged. The dean of Bristol, the Very Rev Mandy Ford, said Colston's remains would probably remain interred in All Saints church on Corn Street, which has been closed since 1984. Colston, who died in 1721, became a global focal point in 2020 when his statue was toppled during a Black Lives Matter protest and thrown into Bristol Harbour.

Why Edward Colston's Remains May Stay at All Saints

The diocese of Bristol has been consulting with residents about the future of All Saints, an unused building on one of Bristol's busiest streets. While no final decision has been made, it seems likely the space will be used to reflect on the port's connections with the slave trade. According to Ford, Christian burial guidance presumes remains should not be disturbed except in exceptional circumstances.

"There is very, very clear guidance which assumes that you don't disturb remains that have been given Christian burial, except in exceptional circumstances and so the presumption is that they will stay where they are," Ford said. She added that a radical rebuilding could prompt an argument to inter the remains elsewhere, but otherwise the assumption is that Christian burial is permanent.

Edward Colston and the Slave Trade: A Contested Legacy

Colston was a wealthy merchant and philanthropist whose fortune was deeply tied to the transatlantic slave trade. His name remains on buildings, streets, and institutions across Bristol, sparking ongoing debates about how to address such legacies. The toppling of his statue in 2020 amplified calls to re-examine public memorials and their meanings.

All Saints church itself sits on Corn Street, a central location that could serve as a powerful site for reflection. The diocese's consultation aims to determine how best to use the building while acknowledging its historical connections.

What Could Happen to All Saints Church?

Several possibilities are on the table for All Saints, though the diocese has not committed to a final plan. The likely outcome is a community resource focused on Bristol's maritime and slave trade history.

• Community reflection space: The church could become a place for learning and dialogue about the slave trade.
• Colston's remains stay: Unless there is a radical rebuilding, the remains are expected to remain interred.
• Ongoing consultation: Bristol residents are being asked for their views on the building's future.
• No final decision: The diocese has yet to confirm a definitive plan.

Comparing Options for All Saints Church

Expertise Guiding the Decision

Ford brings deep expertise to the process, helping balance historical sensitivity with practical considerations. Her statements suggest a cautious approach that respects Christian burial traditions while allowing for reinterpretation of the space.

The consultation reflects broader conversations across the UK about how to handle monuments and remains linked to controversial figures. Bristol, with its direct ties to the slave trade, is at the forefront of these discussions.

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