Collaborative Consultation in Whitehall
Looking ahead to this spring, a stakeholder consultation meeting is scheduled to take place in Whitehall. This gathering brings together a diverse group of voices—including representatives from national heritage organizations, academic institutions, and various faith traditions—to discuss the religious aspects of the legacy of Sir Rowland Hill, a former Lord Mayor of London.
The focus of this specific dialogue is to ensure that the historical impact of the site is viewed through a lens of mutual respect and reconciliation. By engaging with these partners, we aim to establish a framework for the ongoing care and public recognition of the site.
One Part of a Broader Journey
It is important to note that this Whitehall meeting represents just one “lane” of our ongoing work. While this particular group is focused on the heritage and faith-based questions surrounding the site , there are several other active communities of inquiry that meet in different circumstances. These parallel tracks include:
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Literary and Cultural Research: Specialized studies into the house’s connections to the works of William Shakespeare and the play As You Like It.
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Structural and Mathematical Studies: Research into the house’s specialized architecture, connections to dance, and mathematical history.
Sustaining Our Shared Heritage
A major focus of our current efforts is the long-term stewardship of the physical fabric of Soulton Hall. We are pleased to share that we have secured initial external support to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the building’s condition. This professional review is a vital step in moving beyond basic maintenance toward a sustainable future for the site.
While the existing community spaces remain stable and in active use, this work ensures that the environment continues to meet the dignity of the activities hosted here.
Looking to the Future
As these diverse projects develop, we remain committed to:
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Improving Accessibility: Work is underway to create a direct route into the house for those visiting for faith-based purposes, ensuring easier access for those with disabilities.
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Formal Status: We are continuing efforts to seek formal recognition for our service spaces to ensure accountability and public acknowledgment.
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A Spirit of Welcome: The family remains dedicated to seeing Soulton evolve as a site of national memory and fellowship, where all are welcomed with warmth.
For real-time updates on our progress and more detailed information on these various research tracks, we invite you to explore the Soulton Hall blog.
