Our role at Soulton Hall is that of heritage managers and a family dedicated to the responsible upkeep of a unique site.
It is clear to everyone that Soulton Hall carries an important part of the national heritage.
Tudoe Communion Table in the Prayer Room of Soulton Hall
Parts of its story touch upon moments of pain and danger in the history of this island—times of severe persecution and conflict which were courageously resisted from these walls.
The Ashton family wishes to be explicit that we do not run or control the spiritual legacy of this place; rather, we are acutely aware that our managerial position has a bearing on matters of conscience and we respect the diversity of ways people peronally carry that.
Our work, particularly over recent years, has herefore necessarily involved seeking to achieve a clearer resolution of the full extent of this site’s complex stakeholder landscape, requiring us to handle these relationships with parity of esteem and sober care.
This understanding shapes our thinking about every event and engagement.
Our commitment is to provide support for the expression of faith in both ecumenical formats and sincerely within the distinct expressions of faith belonging to the different traditions of the undivided Church.
This means our diary shows an articulation of responsible accommodation, not spiritual control.
With 2025 drawing to a close, and a wider understanding of these matters emerging, we now set out a detailed summary of the work undertaken over the last several years:
Ecumenical and Denominational Worship Support
Anglican Services: Providing the venue for Church of England services within the historic structure.
Anglican Said Eucharist in the Aedicule: September 22, 2023
Anglican Said Eucharist in the Aedicule: November 14, 2023
Roman Catholic Services: Facilitating the expression of Roman Catholic faith within the historic structure.
Roman Catholic Mass in the Aedicule: November 14, 2024
Mass (Roman Catholic) in the Aedicule, Second Sunday of Advent: December 7, 2025
Wider Christian Reflection & Services: Supporting shared or specific devotional practices.
Tenebrae Service (at Moot Hall, led by St Peter and St Paul’s Church, Wem): March 27, 2024
Good Friday Attendance at St Paul’s Cathedral (The Ashton family attendance, London): April 19, 2025
An Ecumenical Service (in the Prayer Room): November 14, 2025
Short Service of Dedication in Epidaurus Court (Marking commencement of Feretory work): December 6, 2025
Ecumenical Service for St. Erkenwald’s Day: November 14, 2026
High-Level Stakeholder and Legacy Management
Political and Faith Convening (Sir Rowland Hill / St Erkenwald): Providing neutral ground for high-level discussions among diverse representatives.
House of Lords Meeting: Legacy of Sir Rowland Hill and St Erkenwlad (London): October 14, 2024 Historical and Academic Conference: Supporting the formal, long-term resolution of historical disclosures.
Remembering Erkenwald Conference (Historical disclosures on the lost altar and relics): April 30, 2026
Community, Culture, and Contextualisation
Community and Educational Collaboration: Working with local faith and educational institutions.
Nativity Unlocked @Soulton (Collaboration between PEW Churches, Wem Parish Church, and Thomas Adams School): December 19, 2020
Public Access and Contextualisation: Managing the sensitive unveiling and interpretation of historic spaces.
Public Access: A 475-Year Moment (Opening up the Prayer Room and Aedicule with context): December 7, 2025
Cultural and Intellectual Events: Integrating the heritage into broader cultural and academic dialogue.
Public Lecture: Sacred Geometry, the Garnet Crystal, and Six Centuries of British Architecture (Whitehall, London): August 17, 2023
The Greatest Middle English Poem, LIVE – A Reading of Erkenwald: April 27, 2025
In essence, the diary is a record of our ongoing commitment to a sober, long-term process.
It reflects the meticulous work required to respect all those who hold a sincere interest in this place, ensuring that Soulton Hall remains a faithful setting for their spiritual and historical expression, managed with utmost diligence and impartiality.
The Communion Table in Soulton Hall’s Prayer Room
