No more Colston

In view of Samual Colston's thoroughly unpleasant slavery-related past, I'd like to see both the Colston Hall AND Colston Street renamed ('Freedom Hall/Street', whatever).  I also think his statue should be removed, and/or surrounded by a barrier and turned into a French-style 'pissoir' so that the citizens (male, at least) may express their opinion of him in an appropriate fashion.

 

If we can rename The Council House to 'City Hall' I can't see why we can't do this.

Why the contribution is important

Whilst one doesn't want to 're-write history', or pretend that bad things never happened, it is important to acknowledge that times have changed and that what may once have been considered acceptable is no longer so. It's all very well putting on a hair shirt about this to assuage collective guilt, but practical measures are - I think - more significant, and an extra toilet on The Centre would be handy, too.

by user251846 on December 04, 2013 at 09:34AM

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Average rating: 2.3
Based on: 11 votes

Comments

  • Posted by user251846 December 04, 2013 at 14:45

    Re above - it's EDWARD Colston, not Sam. my mistake!

  • Posted by user162427 December 05, 2013 at 08:12

    I really hope this idea is not even considered, I have never read so much rubbish in my entire life. Yes things have happened in the past but to rename streets and remove statues is ridiculous. Sorry just my view

  • Posted by user920522 December 06, 2013 at 12:47

    I want Bristol to learn how to embrace all its citizens and to consider why things like this matter to some people. I want us to learn to understand each other better. This is a great debate to be having.

  • Posted by user412750 December 19, 2013 at 15:20

    If you keep the names as they are, might that not stimulate continuing discussion about past attitudes and behaviours that are no longer condoned today? If everything is cleansed, there is a danger that because it is no longer in the public domain, the need for continuing discussion about our attitudes and behaviours will not be stimulated. We always need to be reminded not to be complacent.
    The current rise once again of the far right demonstrates this all too well. And besides, where does it end? Do you want to change Blackboy Hill and Whiteladies Road as well?

  • Posted by user261867 January 03, 2014 at 21:48

    Bristol has an unpleasant history with respect to slavery but I don't think airbrushing the names out of history will achieve anything - apart from confusing residents and visitors for years to come!
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