History is rarely a static record of the past; it is a living narrative that continues to shape our present and light the way for our future. At Soulton Hall, our ongoing historical research has revealed deep, interconnected threads connecting our quiet Shropshire home to pivotal moments in national history, classic literature, and the foundations of early law and civic unity.
From our early discoveries regarding Shakespearean connections and Sir Rowland Hill—the first Protestant Lord Mayor of London who created Soulton—to deeper insights into St Erkenwald and his enduring legacy, this work highlights how local heritage can resonate on a global scale. We are honored to see these historical connections recognized by scholars, civic leaders, and international audiences alike.
Recently, our efforts were featured in the local community.
Below is the complete text of an article published in Issue 52 (Winter 2026) of Rural Review, the magazine of Wem Rural Parish (follow this link to access it from the home page, only the latest edition is shared there so you may not get it if you arereading this after Spring 2027):
Heritage, Harmony and Civic Renewal at Old Sir Rowland’s
Regular readers of the Rural Review will recall our previous coverage of Soulton Hall’s fascinating Shakespearean connections—most notably how the history of this local landmark connects with As You Like It.
What began some years ago in these pages as an early glimpse of exciting historical research has now matured into widely accepted scholarship. Today, that conversation is expanding onto an international stage.
Following a distinguished civic reception held at Soulton Hall, attended by representatives of royal charter bodies and civic leaders, the estate’s historical work has gained considerable momentum.
This was highlighted internationally by a recent feature on the popular podcast The Rest Is History, which brought Soulton’s careful research into faith and early history before a worldwide audience. Central to this growing attention is the story of St Erkenwald and the St Paul’s altar stone.
Erkenwald was a Saxon prince by birth, a saint by devotion and an influential early lawgiver. He was a foundational statesman who helped rebuild London after periods of crisis, bridging deep sectarian divides and helping to unify competing communities.
In meaningful ways, he laid some of the early groundwork for England itself—a nation that would only come into being centuries after his death.
Finding his physical and symbolic ties preserved here in our parish links our landscape directly to a pivotal figure in early law, faith and national reconciliation.
Viewing Soulton’s heritage through this lens shows how faith, literature and history come together. When Shakespeare wrote As You Like It, he focused the closing moments of the play on harmony, reconciliation and civic renewal—ideals deeply tied to Sir Rowland Hill, the first Protestant Lord Mayor of London, memorialised through Soulton’s creation.
Make no mistake: this is far more than an academic milestone or a quiet piece of local history. Putting our parish on the global map gives this area significant cultural importance. It places us in a strong position to attract inward investment, support our local economy and draw visitors to the region from far beyond our local postcodes and county borders.
These discoveries are also an invitation to carry forward a living tradition of civic renewal—a reminder that “all the world’s a stage“, and that our quiet rural corner has a remarkably powerful role to play in the country through this heritage
