Unlocking Subsurface Secrets: Advanced Non-Invasive Soilsmology at the Ancient Precinct
Note: This post was scheduled to be made public one week after the return visit on Sunday 27 September in order to protect the safety of the site.
Following the initial blind seismology investigation on 06 June 2024, the field team from Exeter University and Harper Adams University returned to the precinct grounds alongside Earth Rover representatives with the Ashton family to gather further, more detailed particulars in the matter of the memory of Saint Erkenwald at Soulton.
This follows the recent discussion of these matters on The Rest Is History and on the BBC and in Parliament and the not one but two unanimous resolutions in Shropshire Council.
Preparations for a second soilsmology survey at Soulton Hall on the Erkenwald site (Earth Rover, Exeter University, Harper Adams University at Soulton Hall, September 2026)
All involved in this are very conscious of the sensitivities of these matters and their importance to communities of faith, and this is handled with great care, sensitivity, and as much transparency as quickly as possible.
Before any equipment was deployed, the prayer sent by the Lord Bishop of Lichfield was read aloud once more:
(President) Almighty God,
who by the three days resting of your only Son in the tomb sanctified the graves of all who die in the hope of resurrection: grant peace and eternal light to those buried here or elsewhere, and strengthen our faith that both we and they will together rise again, as Jesus did on the third day, to behold you, our only true and eternal God, in our flesh.
Through the same Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever.
(All) Amen.
This text was read by the senior member of the Ashton family present, that being John Ashton, and the investigation team family and some guests.
It and was followed by the Lord’s Prayer, spoken by all, ahead of the work.
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- The 8m x 8m site of Soilsmolgy investigation in the centre of the Soutlon Hall precinct
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- Plot points for the Soilsmology investigations at Soulton Hall at the Erkenwald site
The return visit used soilsmology to capture finer data points, verifying previous subsurface models and mapping specific anomalies with greater clarity while ensuring no ground disturbance occurred.
Soilsmology examines that central square of the Soulton Hall precincts through advanced three-dimensional models, assessing the subsurface soil structure completely non-invasively without disturbing the deeper historical deposits.
All quipment was packed down and secured when work concluded.
Single-use items were all disposed of permanently and respectfully at the conclusion of the work within the grounds, ensuring nothing left the site.
Soulton Hall sits to the west of the central square of its 9 grid sequence: soilsmolgy is investigating the central square, linked to Erkenwlald
Soilsmology rinvestigation at Soutlon Hall on the Erkenwald site, September 2026
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Now this work as been compleated ‘Feretory’ has been returned to protect the site – alongside other mean and measures.
‘Feretory’ from the ground, where it resembles a pyramid; and from above, where it resembles the arms of the City of London.
