For centuries, Soulton Hall has guarded its secrets with the quiet assurance of ancient stone.
Built not just as a home, but as a coded message by Sir Rowland Hill in a time of peril and profound change, these walls have whispered tales of defiance, sanctuary, and the dawn of the Elizabethan Golden Age.
Now, we are delighted to announce that for those who seek to unravel the truth and walk in the footsteps of history, the first dates for our 2026 Heritage Access Tours have been released.
These tours are not merely a walk through old rooms; they are an intimate audience with the past.
You will explore the clandestine spaces where the Geneva Bible settlement was nurtured and where texts were kept safe from destruction. You will stand in the concealed chapel, see the famous ‘As You Like It‘ dancing pavement, and discover the Renaissance codes woven into the bricks and stones of the house.
This is the heritage that has, at times, been kept secret, and which we are proud to share with you.
We are opening the Hall for these special Sunday dates in early 2026:
- January 2026: Sunday, the 4th
- February 2026: Sunday, the 1st
- March 2026: Sunday, the 1st
- April 2026: Sunday, the 5th
These are the pages of our history you simply cannot find in a textbook.
A Coded Message Waiting to be Read
Sir Rowland Hill, a man of courage who served on the Privy Councils of four monarchs, designed Soulton Hall to be a sanctuary. It is a tangible link to Shakespeare and the creative spirit of the time, thought to be the inspiration for his beloved comedy As You Like It (via the Lodge family link and the character of ‘Old’ Sir Rowland).
Come and explore the hidden corners—from the priests’ hide to the Rowland Hill Furniture—and immerse yourself in the intrigue of a time when ideas were as dangerous as swords.
Booking is essential as spaces are strictly limited for this unique, family-led exploration.
Each tour concludes with a traditional cup of tea and a slice of cake, allowing time for reflection on the secrets you have unveiled.
We look forward to sharing our deeply layered, and occasionally secret, heritage with you in the new year.
Visit Soulton Hall’s page on the Historic House Association website now to secure your place and begin your journey into the Tudor intrigue!
