An English City Grapples With The Slave-Trading Past Of Its Most Celebrated Figure
He's known as "one of the most virtuous and wise sons" of Bristol, but the philanthropist Edward Colston made his fortune as a 17th century slave trader. Many want his name erased from city landmarks.
A statue of a merchant from the 17th century towers over the main square in Bristol, in southwest England. It's a tribute to Edward Colston, described on a small plaque as "one of the most virtuous and wise sons" of this city.
Around town, there are numerous reminders of Colston, Bristol's most famous philanthropist: Streets, schools, a concert hall and an office tower are all named after him. A big stained glass window in Bristol Cathedral is dedicated to him. Even a local delicacy bears his name — the Colston bun, a sort of fruit strudel.
But there's also a dark side to Colston, one that's been long known but less prominently acknowledged:
