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Edward Colston

Header: Edward Colston
Also known as: Edward Colston; primary name: Colston, Edward
Details: individual; British; Male
Life dates: 1636-1721
Biography: Bristol-born merchant, investor in the slave trade, politician and philanthropist. The eldest child of a prosperous merchant, the family moved to London during the civil war. In 1654 he was apprenticed to the London Mercers' Company and by 1672 had begun his career as a merchant. He was enriched by his involvement in the slave trade which included his becoming a member in 1680 of the Royal African Company (q.v.). He was briefly Deputy Governor of the company (1689-90). He was MP for Bristol 1710-13. He never married and his considerable fortune supported and endowed schools, almshouses, churches and hospitals in Bristol, London and elsewhere.

Title: Edward Colston Esq |
Museum number: P,8.130 |
Producer name: Print made by:George VertueAfter:Jonathan Richardson Senior |
Production date: 1722

Title: Edw. Colston Esq. The Philanthropist! |
Museum number: 1877,0609.2043 |
Producer name: Print made by:William PetherAfter:Jonathan Richardson Senior |
Production date: 1817

Title: Edward Colston Esq |
Museum number: 1849,1031.15 |
Producer name: Print made by:George VertueAfter:Jonathan Richardson Senior |
Production date: 1722 |
Production place: Published in:British Isles