Formal Outputs of Inquiries at Soulton Hall Heritage Enters the Parliamentary Record
The long-standing investigation into the cultural and national significance of Soulton Hall has reached a definitive milestone.
The findings, structured as the outputs of a formal committee of inquiry, have now been entered into the official record of the House of Commons.
On 3 March 2026, Helen Morgan MP (North Shropshire) tabled a series of written questions (beginning with UIN 117447) to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment her Department has made of the national heritage significance of the Byrga Geniht studies identifying Soulton Hall as the likely place of reburial for Erkenwald and the location of the High Altar stone of Old St Paul’s.
A further question (UIN 117449) addresses the broader impact of these discoveries:
QUESTION: “To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what support her Department provides for faith interface and reconciliation work carried out following cultural discoveries.”
Another question (UIN 117448) focuses on the responsibilities of managing national patrimony:
QUESTION: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what steps she is taking to support private stewards who manage significant national patrimony in private hands.
A further question (UIN 117450) links these findings to a broader national strategy:
QUESTION: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, if she will make an assessment of the potential for Shropshire’s 2026–2029 Destination Management Plan and the inter-county partnership between Shropshire and Essex to lead to a national renewal of the ‘Grand Tour of England’.
All these questions are currently awaiting a reply from the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport.
We will update this blog as the record develops and formal responses are published.
This action follows the successful entry of the inquiry’s statement of significance into the democratic record of Shropshire Council earlier this month.
House of Commons Chamber
Key Outputs of the Inquiry
The inquiry, supported by the Byrga Geniht studies, has produced several critical findings regarding the 16th-century stewardship of the site:
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St Paul’s High Altar Stone: The investigation identifies Soulton Hall as the preservation site for the High Altar stone of Old St Paul’s Cathedral, recovered and secured during the 1550s.
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The Erkenwald Preservation: The outputs confirm the likely location for the reburial of Erkenwald within the Soulton precinct, identifying a specific archaeological footprint consistent with 16th-century memorialization.
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National Patrimony Framework: The inquiry positions Soulton Hall not merely as a domestic residence, but as a sophisticated, purpose-built repository intended to safeguard the “spiritual heart” of London during a period of extreme cultural volatility.
From Local Audit to National Assessment
The transition of these findings from a private heritage audit to a formal Parliamentary inquiry represents a significant elevation in status.
By placing these matters on the formal record, the inquiry ensures that the historical and architectural code of Soulton Hall—including its ties to Sir Rowland Hill and the broader preservationist movements of the 1550s—is acknowledged as a matter of public and democratic fact.
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Update: 9 March 2026 – Ministerial Response Received
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Stephanie Peacock, has now provided a formal response to the inquiry regarding the national renewal of the ‘Grand Tour’ and the strategic partnership between Shropshire and Essex.
The Government’s Response (UIN 117450): The Minister confirmed that the Department (DCMS) strongly encourages the “innovative partnerships and thematic product development” represented by the link between Shropshire and Essex. Crucially, the response noted:
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Global Integration: VisitEngland is working with the VisitBritain international network to ensure these regional heritage offerings are integrated into the global travel trade, making them “bookable” for international visitors.
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A Strategic Example: The Minister cited the cooperation between Shropshire and Essex as a “strong example of partnership working” within the framework of the 2026–2029 Destination Management Plan.
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Recognition of Assets: The formal record now acknowledges the strategic importance of Shropshire’s world-class attractions—including the medieval heights of Ludlow and the UNESCO-listed Ironbridge Gorge—as central to this national cultural renewal.
The Significance of the Record
This response marks a vital transition for the Soulton Hall inquiries.
By acknowledging the “Grand Tour” concept within a formal Parliamentary answer, the government has validated the thematic framework that connects our local Shropshire heritage to the wider national story.
The inclusion of these initiatives in the global travel trade strategy ensures that the “spiritual heart” of the English landscape—preserved here through the 16th-century stewardship of Sir Rowland Hill—is recognized not just as a local interest, but as a primary asset of the UK’s national patrimony.
Update: 10 March 2026 – Ministerial Responses on National Patrimony and St Paul’s
The Government has now provided formal responses to the remaining inquiries regarding the physical discoveries at Soulton Hall and the support for their continued stewardship.
The Government’s Response (UIN 117447 & 117448): Minister Ian Murray has confirmed the following regarding the ongoing assessment of the site:
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Statutory Review: The Government has formally acknowledged the Byrga Geniht studies. The Minister confirmed that Historic England is currently reviewing an application to amend the “List entry” (the legal protective description) for Soulton Hall to reflect these findings, we have not been able to confirm this ourselves before it wsa said in a Parliamentry process.
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Grant Funding for Discovery: The Minister highlighted that while there is no specific “faith fund,” the Government provides direct support through Historic England for the repair, conservation, and research of “unexpected discoveries”—including archaeological objects and remains.
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Support for Private Stewards: The DCMS emphasized that planning reforms are underway to streamline the management of significant national patrimony in private hands, ensuring that the burden on stewards is recognized and supported.
A Unified Record
With these final answers, the entire “Soulton Case”—from the physical stones and the Erkenwlad questions to the strategic cultural renewal of the Grand Tour—now sits on the official Parliamentary record.
This provides a clear, state-recognized roadmap for the future preservation and promotion of Soulton Hall as a site of supreme national importance.
