The Untold Story of Anglo-Saxon Art & Mathematics, Championed by Soulton Hall and Ready for the World Stage
At Soulton Hall, we are absolutely thrilled to share a story that highlights our commitment to unlocking and sharing history.
Rest Is History Podcast
Our patronage has helped bring ground-breaking research to the forefront, leading to a revolutionary exhibition and, even more excitingly, an upcoming feature on one of the world’s most trusted and beloved history podcasts: The Rest is History!
This incredible journey began with our support for the research of James Wenn. His profound insights, sparked during a visit here, ignited a remarkable discovery. This led to the formation of Byrga Geniht with James Syrett, a cultural consultancy dedicated to expert interpretation of the past – a mission we’ve been delighted to champion from its inception.
Endorsed by a Leading Mind: Professor Marcus du Sautoy
The impact of this vital work has been powerfully acknowledged with an incredible endorsement from none other than Marcus du Sautoy, the Simonyi Professor for the Public Understanding of Science and Professor of Mathematics at the University of Oxford. His insightful words perfectly capture the essence and revolutionary nature of this research and the exhibition it has inspired:
The new insights into the role that mathematical geometry played in the art and architecture of Anglo Saxon Britain are absolutely fascinating. This feels like an intellectual version of the metal detectorists uncovering a treasure trove of wonders.
By tapping into people’s passion for history and archaeology I am really excited by the power of this research to explain the way mathematical shapes have inspired such a range of creativity in this period, one that traditionally has been thought to be a mathematical wasteland.
Turns out this is far from the truth.
A truly original and exciting bit of research.
This powerful statement from such a distinguished figure speaks volumes about the originality and significant impact of this work. The exhibition is set to challenge conventional wisdom, dramatically revealing how deeply mathematical principles influenced Anglo-Saxon art and architecture – a period often overlooked for its mathematical sophistication.
The Rest Is History Podcast
Catch The Rest is History Podcast!
Since 2020, Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook’s The Rest is History podcast has captivated audiences worldwide with its deep dives into historical narratives.
In September 2025, Byrga Geniht will make their highly anticipated debut in a special bonus episode! They’ll delve into the fascinating story of how the intricate mathematics behind rhombic dodecahedral garnet stones provided the inspiration for early masterpieces like the legendary Sutton Hoo and Staffordshire Hoard treasures. You’ll discover how this complex geometry profoundly influenced British art, impacting design and decoration that surrounds us even today – with a remarkable concentration in historic country houses such as our very own Soulton Hall in Shropshire and Braxted Park in Essex.
Experience the Discoveries Firsthand This August!
You have a unique opportunity to see elements of this captivating story in person right now! Our sponsored exhibition at The Minories in Colchester, Essex is on display throughout August (running from August 20th to 24th and from August 27th to 31st).
We warmly invite all history enthusiasts and “early birds” to make the journey to Colchester to experience these incredible objects first-hand before the highly anticipated podcast appearance in September.
Get ready for a show that promises to be truly eye-opening and will undoubtedly bring new life to what you thought you knew about history! A huge congratulations to Byrga Geniht on these wonderful endorsements from established public intellectuals, and for bringing such vital research to light.
It is amazing to think that all this started during the Covid Pandemic, when we hosted Beowulf at the Barrow, causing James to make the leap of insight that has propelled this important heritage story.
