It is made in the city of Bristol, England, and named after Edward Colston, a local merchant and MP, who created the original recipe.
There are two size categories: "dinner plate", with eight wedge marks on the surface, and "ha'penny staver", an individual-sized bun.
The custom originated from the Colston's School, which was established for poor children in Bristol during the early 18th century.
Originally, the child would receive a large "dinner plate" bun with eight wedge marks so that individual portions could be broken off and shared with their family, plus a "staver" which could be eaten immediately to "stave off" hunger, and a gift of 2 shillings (now 10p) from the wives of the Merchant Venturers.
[3] Colston buns are not widely known outside Bristol, and are generally only available for sale on occasion in independent bakers around the city.