Today, we are looking forward to a truly landmark occasion at Soulton Hall. As the morning mist clears over the Shropshire landscape, we are preparing to welcome a sold-out gathering to the Soulton Long Barrow to celebrate the eve of the Winter Solstice.
This evening is particularly special as it marks the five-year anniversary of the Barrow’s completion in 2020. It promises to be a journey through time, light, and song.
Later this afternoon, we will gather within the stone chambers of the Barrow to witness a rare celestial event. As the sun reaches its lowest point on the horizon, we hope to see the “Rainbow Alignment.” When the light passes through the stained-glass door, it floods the inner sanctum with a spectrum of vibrant color—a breathtaking “celestial alarm clock” that connects us to the cycles of the earth.
Hospitality in the Great Hall of “Old” Sir Rowland
Once the sun has set and the final notes have faded, the celebration will continue back at the Soulton Court Great Hall complex.
This is no ordinary venue; it is the heart of the Tudor manor once home to “Old” Sir Rowland Hill. As the first Protestant Lord Mayor of London and a figure of immense cultural influence, Sir Rowland designed Soulton as a sanctuary of harmony.
Following the concert, guests will enjoy:
-
Mulled Wine & Festive Refreshments: Warming spirits to ward off the winter chill.
-
Tudor History: The chance to gather in the same halls that inspired the setting of Shakespeare’s As You Like It, celebrating a legacy of peace and intellectual freedom that has endured for centuries.
“To stand in the Barrow for the solstice and then walk the short distance to Sir Rowland’s Great Hall is to experience the full depth of Soulton’s story. We are delighted to share this with you all tonight.” — The Ashton Family
