The stewardship of England’s national patrimony is a responsibility that transcends any single institution. At Soulton Hall, we have moved forward with a commitment to avoiding sensationalism and honoring a history that predates even a unified England.
Today marks a significant milestone in that journey: the ongoing research done in partnership with James D. Wenn and Byrga Geniht regarding Saint Erkenwald and the High Altar stone of Old St Paul’s has been formally entered into the democratic public record of Shropshire Council.
Following a period of intense and rigorous heritage auditing, this placement on the council record follows a statement of significance regarding the national patrimony understood to be being protected at Soulton.
This matter is being placed on formal record at Shropshire Council today, and we understand it is scheduled to be followed by a statement on the record in the House of Commons shortly. As stewards, our focus remains on heritage presentation and sober engagement with the historical and spiritual weight of these items.
To support this, we have brought the prayer room at Soulton back into use—providing a discreet, dedicated space for pilgrimage and reflection, separate from the main house functions. We are grateful for the recognition of the “care and seriousness” with which our family and our consultant, James David Wenn, have handled this matter of national resonance.
The following verbatim exchange from February 26, 2026, codifies this development within the county’s strategic and cultural future.
The Formal Record: February 26, 2026
COUNCIL – 26 FEBRUARY 2026 RESPONSE TO PUBLIC QUESTIONS
1. Question from Tim Ashton To ask the Portfolio Holder for Transport and Economic Growth, if they will make a statement on the Council’s progress in aligning the 2026–2029 Destination Management Plan with the objective of reviving the ‘Grand Tour of England’; and, with reference to the information first presented to this Council in February 2024 regarding William Shakespeare’s familiarity with Shropshire, what assessment his department has made of the cultural and economic implications of the recent public research identifying the presence of the relics of Saint Erkenwald and the High Altar stone of Old St Paul’s within the county?
Response from Rob Wilson, Portfolio Holder for Transport & Economic Growth I want to highlight what is becoming one of rural England’s most remarkable heritage developments. The emerging research at Soulton Hall—especially the possible relics of Saint Erkenwald and the High Altar stone from Old St Paul’s—is extraordinary. These finds could reshape how Shropshire is understood nationally. Erkenwald was central to early English Christianity, and the High Altar stone was at the heart of medieval London’s spiritual life. To find evidence of both in our county opens an entirely new historical chapter for Wem and Shropshire.
This is especially significant given the renewed national interest in the ‘Grand Tour of England’, which traces the country’s industrial, artistic and spiritual heritage. Work on the draft Destination Management Plan already recognises Shropshire’s heritage as being one of its most important attributes. It also references the potential of working with Essex on the Grand Tour concept as a strong example of the partnership working. The Soulton Hall discoveries greatly amplify this opportunity. They offer a story of national resonance—one that places Shropshire back at the centre of England’s cultural and religious development.
While the draft DMP provides structure for supporting the visitor economy, its real importance now lies in enabling this narrative: saints, stones, Shakespearean heritage, and a revived English Grand Tour that acknowledges Shropshire’s rightful place. The DMP’s principles align strongly with the estate’s ambitions and demonstrate how partnership working with destinations, heritage bodies, and landowners can support the Plan’s goals and strengthen Shropshire’s storytelling. The DMP is not an action plan for the Council, but a strategic tool for partners to shape priorities, support funding, and guide development. We hope the final DMP will give Soulton Hall a robust framework—supporting sensitive development, expanding access to its heritage, and securing its role as a key contributor to the region’s cultural and economic future.
This record is a testament to the partnership between land, history, and governance.
By linking Soulton’s Shakespearean connections with the physical survival of London’s “spiritual heart,” we are seeing a heritage corridor emerge that stretches from the capital to the Welsh Marches.
The Council’s recognition ensures that Shropshire is no longer a footnote, but a central chapter in the story of England’s development.
As this narrative reaches the the House of Commons, having already been discussed provately in the House of Lords, we move forward with a commitment to honoring a history that belongs to the whole nation.
