Object Number: TD7171

Collection: Social History

Object Name: newspaper article

Description: Folded newpaper article from the 'Bristol Mercury'. Describes the disinternment of Colston in 1843. With handwritten inscription on the reverse 'Bristol Mercury Sept 9 1843'. 'EDWARD COLSTON, THE PHILANTHROPIST.- We have been favoured with the following particulars of the disinterment of the remains of this revered individual, by one who was present on the occasion:- ''On Saturday, the 2nd inst., I went to All Saints' church, and saw the disinterment of Edward Colston, the great philanthropist, the object being to ascertain correctly in what vault his remains lay. On moving three coffins they crumbled to pieces, but two having leaden ones under, they were lifted carefully out; the third contained nothing but dust and fragments of woollen shroud, and all were evidently too small to have contained his remains. We then came to a large coffin, at the bottom of the vault, the plate of which was entirely obliterated, and fell, with the outer case, to pieces. The lead coffin was then lifted out, but no inscription or anything by which it could be identified could be perceived, but from its size there was very little doubt that it was Colston's. A piece was then cut from the top, and also through the shell, which was very sound, when we found a body completely enveloped in a linen shroud or sheet, the folds thrown on the face, on withdrawing which the head was found in such perfect condition that it was at once recognised by all present as that of the great and good man, from the strong likeness to the marble bust just above on his monument: he had on a cravat and shirt exactly like the marble figure, also a napkin wound round the head; the resemblance in face was so striking, that all present made an involuntary exclamation to that effect. The flesh, although dark and much discoloured from lying more than 120 years in the grave, was still firm, the fine Roman nose still showing the prominence of outline as in the figure. There was hair on the head, and a few locks were taken, but nothing else was touched. The shell and lead were closed up, and a plate, engraven with his name and date of decease, was put on, and the remains lowered again into the vault, exactly beneath his monument. There had been doubts for some years whether the remains were buried in the spot where they were found or on the other side, and the church requiring re-pewing, a good opportunity was presented of ascertaining the fact; but which, as has been shown, could not be donw from inspecting the outer coffin. It was a most interesting sight to behold the face of him whose name is blessed for ever. Present at the opening: the Rev. Mr. Rogers, Mr. Jones and Mr. Penton, churchwardens, Mr. Garrard, the city treasurer, Mr. Lawrence and Mr. Randall, carpenters, and the writer.''