Council Communication Regarding Historic Safeguarding of Important Legacies and Regional Ties
We share below the verbatim text of the letter received from Councillor Duncan Borrowman, Chair of Shropshire Council:
01 October, 2026
Dear Ashton Family,
I am writing to you directly following a unanimous and historic vote by Shropshire Council at our most recent full council meeting on 24th September, where our council resolved to adopt a motion celebrating the deep regional, cultural, and historical ties that unite Shropshire, Essex, and the City of London.
Central to the motion passed by the council is the recognition of the remarkable recovery of the memory of the relics of Saint Erkenwald – the revered seventh-century Bishop of London, ancient patron, and light of London – alongside the stone of the High Altar of Old St. Paul’s.
During the warm cross-party debate on the motion, the Mayor of Shrewsbury, Councillor Bernie Bentick, spoke at length to emphasize the profound importance of this heritage, highlighting Saint Erkenwald as a figure of reconciliation across divides. The council noted that these sacred items and their rich history found safe preservation at Soulton Hall during the turbulent religious upheavals of the sixteenth century. This vital safeguarding reflects a legacy of protection that echoes the astute statecraft of Sir Rowland Hill of Soulton, who served as Lord Mayor of London from 1549 to 1550.
Throughout this history, the continuous care and stewardship shown by your family and your ancestors have been essential. By preserving this heritage through dangerous and uncertain times, and presenting it to the public with care, discernment, and dignity, you have performed an invaluable service to our county and to the wider national story.
In recognition of these profound historic connections, I have formally written to both the Lord-Lieutenant of Essex and the Lady Mayor of London to highlight how these discoveries bridge geographical divides between Shropshire, Essex, and the City of London.
On behalf of Shropshire Council, please accept our deep gratitude for your enduring stewardship of Soulton Hall and your custodianship of this extraordinary shared heritage.
Yours sincerely,
Duncan Borrowman Chair,
Shropshire Council
We acknowledge this communication from the council with appreciation for the recognition of the ongoing academic and historical interest in the estate.
