A significant moment in the cultural history of Shropshire has been formally recognized in Parliament.
In the House of Commons Early Day Motion 65658, tabled by Helen Morgan MP, highlights a unique connection between our local landscape and one of the most famous works in the English language.
Helen Morgan MP at Soulton Hall
On May 8, 2026, the Shropshire Youth Theatre will perform As You Like It at Soulton Hall. This is not merely a local production; it is a return to the roots of the story.
The Parliamentary Motion
The motion, which you can view on the official UK Parliament website here, states the following:
That this House celebrates the homecoming performance of As You Like It by the Shropshire Youth Theatre at Soulton Hall on 8 May 2026; notes that this production marks a significant return of the play to the landscape that inspired its origins, with Soulton being both the childhood home of Thomas Lodge, author of the primary source text Rosalynde, and the estate of Sir Rowland Hill, the historical inspiration for the character of Old Sir Rowland; further notes the genealogical links between the Hill family and Mary Arden, mother of William Shakespeare; recognises Soulton Hall for its role as a cultural sanctuary, having hosted the National Youth Theatre during the pandemic and having staged over a quarter of the Shakespearean canon to date; and commends this partnership between the charity and private sectors as a vital engine for rural civic renewal and the celebration of North Shropshire’s international literary heritage.
Why This Matters
To understand the weight of this motion, one must look back to the late sixteenth century. While William Shakespeare is the name most often associated with the play, his primary inspiration was a prose romance titled Rosalynde, written by Thomas Lodge.
The National Youth Theatre performing at Soulton During the Emergency of the Pandemic. An inspiring institution that champions diversity, (c) Helen Murray and NYT.
Lodge’s formative years were forged at Soulton. The “Forest of Arden” depicted in the play is widely believed to be a literary reflection of the ancient Shropshire woodlands and the environment Lodge knew as a child. By performing this comedy on the grounds of the hall, the Shropshire Youth Theatre is bridging a gap of over four centuries, placing the narrative back into the physical space where its precursor was conceived.
This performance serves as a reminder of the deep intellectual and artistic legacy rooted in the Shropshire countryside.
It honours both the literary history of Thomas Lodge and the contemporary talent of the young performers who continue to keep these stories alive today.
Theatre in Epidaurus Court, Soulton Hall
The historical connection between the estate and the halls of power is further solidified by the fabric of the Palace of Westminster.
In the aftermath of the Second World War, when the House of Commons Chamber required rebuilding due to significant damage, timber was sourced from across the United Kingdom to restore the site. Oak from the woodland at Soulton was selected and utilized in the reconstruction of the Chamber, meaning that a physical piece of this Shropshire landscape resides permanently at the heart of British democracy. This link creates a profound continuity between the timber grown on the estate and the parliamentary motions, such as EDM 65658, that now celebrate its cultural heritage.
