Unraveling the Mysteries of a Tudor Masterpiece
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A Private Tour for the Salopian club & and the SSPA.
Link the the event page: here
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The establishment of Shrewsbury School by King Edward VI in 1552 is intrinsically connected to (‘Old’) Sir Rowland Hill through the Abbey landholdings (which were Rowland’s at the disolving of the abbey) and administrative connections around the pettitions which have his finger prints on them via Reginald Corbett and the Council of the Marches.
The Banner of Arms of the Tudor Kings of England, in use at the time of King Edward VI – also used in modern times as the flag of Shrewsbury School, which Edward founded in 1552
This Tudor refounding of a school in an ancient town with Saxon and possibly older educational and cultural routes roots aligns with Hill’s broader civic interests.
Known for founding Market Drayton Grammar School and overseeing London’s hospital system, Hill was instrumental in addressing the educational and welfare crisis precipitated by Henry VIII’s reforms. It is likely that Old Sir Rowland attended one of the collegate schools in Shrewsbury that was reconstituted in 1552.
In recognition of these and other associations between Soulton and the school, a Salopian Club visit, for members of that club, is planned for St Erkenwald’s Day, 2024 (14 November). More details and tickets are available via this link.
Shrewsbury School old buildings, now the Shrewsbury Library
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Sir Rowland Hill, a prominent figure of the 16th century, was a man of diverse interests and significant influence. Born into a wealthy Shropshire family, he played a pivotal role in the tumultuous era of Henry VIII as a Privy Councilor and elite European Mechant.
A true Renaissance man, Hill’s interests extended beyond governance. His passion for literature is exemplified by his role in publishing the Geneva Bible, a landmark publication that shaped English Protestantism.
This involvement aligns with his reputation as a patron of the arts and learning.
Moreover, his influence may have extended into the world of drama, with connections between Hill and the Old Sir Rowland character portrayed in Shakespeare’s As You Like It.
Shakespeare was a cousin via Mary Arden, and the source book for As You Like It was inspired by Soulton Hall, as it was the Forest of Arden home of the Lodge family, which produced Thomas Lodge Junior, the author of Rosalynde (1590).
‘Old Sir Rowland’: Publisher of the Geneva Bible and insiration for AS YOU LIKE IT
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This image depicts a scholarly reconstruction of Soulton Hall, highlighting its architectural elements inspired by the ancient theater of Epidaurus. The yellow lines trace these features, revealing the Rowland Hill’s homage to the renowned Greek structure.
Additionally, the recently shown art commision from Soulton to emerging artist Jacob Chandler will be shown in the Moot Hall. These show the eight charicters who are commanded to do the Dance of Harmon in As You Like It. The choreography for that dance has survived at Soulton Hall.
Jacob Chandler with his ‘As You Like It’ Dancers artwork which features in the 2024 Shrewsbury Arts Trail
