We are pleased to share a formal statement on behalf of our family ahead of our upcoming discussion with Tom Holland on The Rest Is History, and you cna find a dedicated page about that here.
This statement outlines the scope of recent research at Soulton, the principles guiding our approach to these sensitive findings, and our ongoing commitment to welcome and hospitality:
There will shortly be a The Rest Is History episode around the activities of Sir Rowland Hill, and the indications of 5 years of research are profound. We are deeply grateful to Tom Holland and the entire team at The Rest Is History for their welcome, patience, and kindness throughout the process.
We explored the latest research by Byrga Geniht into Soulton’s Tudor geometry, medieval objects, and ties to Shakespeare.
Because this work touches on sensitive ground, both epistemologically and culturally, it requires thoughtful handling. The historical evidence and memory handed down to us can be evaluated through rigorous academic frameworks independently, alongside the physical questions we continue to answer.
The findings point toward the potential recovery of material connected to the lost items of Saint Erkenwald, alongside the preserved altar stone from Old St Paul’s.
Navigating these discoveries involves balance. Epistemology reminds us to carefully test how we know what we know, while the principles of fellowship and reconciliation guide how we share those insights with a troubled world.
Our hope is simply to contribute thoughtfully to wider conversations about complex histories and the gentle process of healing.
This is why the legacy of Sir Rowland Hill holds such significance for reconciliation, quite apart from his actions to protect physical objects.
Our view as a family on the physical question is now fairly settled: very little else makes sense of the risks taken and the way things were carried. Panels of inquiry are also increasingly moving toward agreement on this.
Faith communities are welcome, and the prayer room has been put back into service for respectful hospitality across the undivided community on respectful terms of engagement. That is precisely why we remain focused on conservation, hospitality, and welcoming all who come to Soulton.
A huge thank you to the team at Byrga Geniht (James David Wenn and James Syrett) for their ground-breaking work on this project.
Everyone is welcome to join with us in the progress on these matters and visit, via booked admissions, staying, hosting events or via our blog.
