Rising from Ashes: Hope for LA and Malibu

The recent fires in Los Angeles and Malibu have left a trail of devastation, impacting not only homes and possessions but also the emotional well-being of the community.

The loss of homes, livelihoods, and a sense of security has deeply affected countless individuals. The trauma experienced by those who have witnessed the destruction firsthand, the fear and uncertainty faced by evacuees, and the grief of those who have lost loved ones are a stark reminder of the human cost of these disasters.

These events serve as a poignant reminder of our vulnerability to the forces of nature and the urgent need for environmental stewardship and community support in the face of increasing climate-related challenges.

The recent fires in Los Angeles and Malibu have left a trail of devastation, and our hearts ache for our friends and the entire community.

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We, though geographically distant, feel a humble and sincere connection to the communities of Los Angeles and Malibu. This connection stems from a multitude of personal, cultural, and friendship ties, as well as from the privilege of having lived in these beautiful places for periods in the past.

As a family who has had the privilege of living in these beautiful places, and who counts many there as dear friends, we are heartbroken by the destruction and loss. Members of our family have worked in these vibrant communities, forging connections that span generations. Several generations of friendships link Shropshire to California, built on shared experiences, academic engagement, and various cultural projects.

Beyond this, Sir Rowland Hill, who built Soulton Hall in the 1550s, played his part in shaping the early American identity. As a patron of the Geneva Bible, a text that profoundly influenced the intellectual and religious landscape of the early American colonies, his legacy extends far beyond Shropshire. This influential text, carried aboard the Mayflower, shaped the intellectual and religious life of the early American colonies. Moreover, the frontispiece of the Geneva Bible served as a significant inspiration for the design of the Great Seal of the United States, a powerful symbol of the nation’s founding principles.

This connection underscores the profound and enduring affection and shared contribution to a shared culture that exists between Shropshire and the United States, reflecting this, we recently received a gift from a California State Senator – a California state flag that flew over the state capitol, marking the long associations between our family and the state. This flag is a symbol of the amazing identity California represents and it usually hangs proudly on the wall of a private sitting room in Soulton Hall, a reminder of the strength and spirit of California. To express our solidarity and affection for Los Angeles, we are proudly flying this flag over Soulton Hall for a period as a gesture of support and encouragement during this difficult time.

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But amidst the ashes and taking the long arch of history we are connected to here, we find a flicker of hope – the story of London after the Great Fire of 1666, and closer to home, the experience of our own community after the Great Fire of Wem in 1677.

Just as London rose from the rubble, rebuilt stronger and more beautiful than before, and as Wem demonstrated its resilience in the face of its own fire, so too can and will LA and Malibu.

The 1666 Great Fire of London was a devastating event that consumed much of the city, became a catalyst for renewal. The city was rebuilt with  stronger buildings, stronger civic identity, and a renewed sense of purpose.

Closer to home, the Great Fire of Wem, though smaller in scale, also serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience of communities. The people of Wem faced adversity with courage and determination, rebuilding their town and moving forward with renewed strength.

One particularly poignant example from London is the Tabernacle Church, built to replace the ruins of St. Mary Abchurch.

Later Wren, on the instructions of Corpus Christi College, Cambridge, the college of Sir Rowland Hill’s friend Mathew Parker.

This act of resilience, of building anew within the remnants of the past, is a powerful symbol of hope and perseverance.

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As a family with deep roots in Shropshire, connected to a long history that includes experiencing and witnessing its own share of adversity, we naturally reflect on times when Soulton and the people connected to it faced challenges like those of Malibu and LA at the moment. We recall how other generations coped with and ultimately overcame hardship, drawing strength from their shared experiences.

Just as London rose from the rubble, rebuilt stronger and more beautiful than before, and as Wem demonstrated its resilience in the face of its own fire, so too can and will LA and Malibu.

This resilience is evident in many examples, such as the Tabernacle Church built to replace the ruins of St. Mary Abchurch in London.

Just as the Tabernacle Church rose from the ashes of St. Mary Abchurch in 17th-century London, and just as Wem demonstrated its ability to recover and thrive, so too can LA and Malibu rise from the ashes of these fires. We have faith in the resilience of the human spirit, the strength of community, and the enduring beauty of these places.

To our friends in LA and Malibu, we send our love and support.

We are thinking of you in this difficult time, and we believe in your ability to rebuild, to heal, and to emerge stronger than ever.