Unveiling the Soulton Seal: A Legacy of History and Harmony
“The Soulton Seal”, also known as the “Dance Seal,” is a cherished emblem deeply woven into the fabric of Soulton Hall’s history and our family.
Soulton Hall ‘Logo’ on a Letterhead
This protected device, used here for nearly 500 years, holds a special significance that goes beyond graphic design.
The Soulton Seal was particularly meaningful to Sir Rowland Hill, a pivotal figure associated with Soulton Hall. While the seal shows the dance pattern and choreography (as the different numbers of lines between differnt points show) from Shakespeare’s As You Like It, its origin predates the play.
The Soulton Dancing Pavement, showing The Dance, which features in AS YOU LIKE IT
At its core, the Soulton Seal represents a concept of mathematical harmony.
As a dance, imagine a graph being drawn on the floor – the eight diamonds represent a box step towards the center, where the dancers clap. The swags around the outside depict the “Do-si-do,” a classic partner dance move.
The three shaded segments have sparked curiosity for centuries. This, too, has a mathematical basis.
There are 24 total segments in the seal. Five of the swags are unshaded, and three are not.
You can express this this way:
24 x 5 x 3
= 360
This number, three hundred and sixty, represents the total number of degrees in a complete circle. It has other properties and significance beyond that.
This clever use of numbers reinforces the theme of mathematical harmony and completeness embodied in the Soulton Seal.
Its unique design offers a glimpse into the intellectual pursuits and artistic sensibilities of those who called have called and now call Soulton Hall home. It’s a reminder of the importance of blending history, art, and mathematics, creating a legacy that continues to resonate today.
“Home of Englandes/England’s Soul”
“Home of Englandes Soul” is a quotation, and a pun, and a reference to the Geneva Bible work of Old Sir Rowland. When it is writen “Englandes” and not “England’s”, it is a conscious choice to reflect sixtenth century writing: “Englandes” functions as a genitive case, which is a grammatical form used to show possession in older forms of English.
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The above contains scholarship that is the work of James D. Wenn, whom the Ashton family have trusted to attened to these matters at this time.
