As the late summer sun warms the ancient bricks of the estate, life at Soulton Hall continues to move forward in vibrant and historic ways.
The latest August dispatch of “The New News”—taking its name from the famous line in As You Like It—has officially gone out to our community. This month brings extraordinary announcements, national podcast features, civic honors, and a rich slate of drama.
********
Be the First to Know About Soulton Hall’s News
Social media algorithms can easily bury updates, but our subscribers get direct, thoughtful dispatches delivered straight to their inbox. Joining our community ensures you never miss a performance announcement, behind-the-scenes historical discovery, or early ticket release. We respect your time and privacy, and you are free to unsubscribe at any time.
Join our mailing list to receive the latest updates from Soulton Hall. Enter your email below to subscribe.
********
Highlights from the August Dispatch
Featured on The Rest Is History Podcast
The headline story of the month is Soulton Hall starring in a feature episode of the world-leading history podcast, The Rest Is History, hosted by Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook. The episode explores pioneering architectural research by James Wenn and James Syrett of Byrga Geniht, revealing the “Shropshire Da Vinci Code.” Discoveries show how Sir Rowland Hill built the hall using hidden geometric codes matching Old St Paul’s Cathedral and the Erkenwald monument to protect sacred heritage during Tudor destruction, while also inspiring Shakespeare’s hero in As You Like It.
Official Recognition from Shropshire Council
Shropshire Council has formally expressed its gratitude to the Soulton Hall research team. Following a motion passed unanimously on a cross-party basis on July 16, 2026, Chairman Duncan Borrowman commended the team for highlighting these vital literary connections and enriching the cultural landscape of the county.
Outdoor Shakespeare Double Bill
At the end of the month, The Whole Pack Theatre brings an open-air weekend of drama to the grounds:
-
Saturday, August 29 (19:00 – 21:00): Macbeth: A Folk-Horror Awakening, taking advantage of the gathering dusk against the eerie backdrop of Soulton Wood.
-
Sunday, August 30 (15:00 – 17:00): “I Like This Place”: As You Like It, a joyful afternoon comedy performed in the open-air Epidaurus Court, set right where the story was originally inspired.
Forthcoming Candlelight Production of Hamlet
Looking ahead to autumn, Soulton Hall announces a landmark candlelight production of Hamlet on September 5 and 6, 2026. Directed by Naomi Coleman and performed by the Aethelflaed Theatre Company, this intimate staging takes place inside the 17th-century Historic Moot Hall—a courtroom built directly on the foundations of Old Sir Rowland’s original great hall.
Recent Drama & New Digital Guidebook
The dispatch reflects on a successful August visit from British Touring Shakespeare, who staged raw, thought-provoking productions of Romeo and Juliet and Dracula.
Additionally, the estate has released the 2026 digital edition of the official guidebook, Sermons in Stones, available for £5.00 on Ko-fi to support ongoing conservation work.
Be the First to Know About Soulton Hall’s News
Join our mailing list to receive the latest updates from Soulton Hall.
