A Shakespearian Walk: Bluebells in the ‘As You Like It’ Woodland and a Tudor Polymath’s Landscape

Join us for a journey through the captivating landscapes of Soulton Hall, where history, legend, and natural beauty converge.

Soulton Hall has been the setting of a number of digs with Dig Ventures

This in-depth tour explores the rich tapestry of this remarkable site, beginning with the revelations of a six-year archaeological excavation that has brought the lost castle to light.

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We will trace the remnants of the lost avenue, envisioning the processions of a bygone era, and pause at the serene Well of Catharsis (Holy Well), a place steeped in ancient traditions and consider the ‘Sermons in Stone’ of Soulton Hall.

A sign with an AS YOU LIKE IT quotation in the Soulton landscape: Now, my co-mates and brothers in exile,
Hath not old custom made this life more sweet
Than that of painted pomp? Are not these woods
More free from peril than the envious court?

We will then enter the normally private and enchanting As You Like It Wood, especially vibrant during the bluebell season, we will explore the connections between this landscape and the world of William Shakespeare: “Old Sir Rowland” in “As You Like It” is inspired by Soulton’s Rowland Hill, who was a cousin of Mary Arden.

Rosalind’s Cottage in Soulton Wood, the AS YOU LIKE IT WOOD

Moreover the source text, “Rosalynde” (1590) was written by Thomas Lodge Jr whose father held this manner before Sir Rowland Hill and his boyhood is linked to this setting in the Forest of Arden which extends well into Shropshire . We will discuss the historical context of the area, and how it influenced Shakespeare’s famous play.

Our path then leads us to the Soulton Long Barrow, a newly constructed feature built in honour of ancient traditions. This feature allows us to experience some of the feelings our ancestors may have felt.

Andrew Fusek Peters captured the colourful spectacle at the Soulton Long Barrow in Shropshire.

We will see the famous dancing pavement at Soulton Hall before finishing for refreshments.

Important Information

This tour requires a reasonable level of fitness, as participants will be walking approximately 3.5km over a period of about two hours, with limited opportunities for seating. Please come prepared for the weather with appropriate footwear and coats.

Refreshments: Your ticket includes tea and cake refreshments, which will be served at the conclusion of the tour.

Weather Contingency

In the event of inclement weather, the landscape tour will be substituted with a tour of the Soulton Hall.

A Unique Experience

Please note that this specific landscape tour, incorporating the archaeological site, historical connections to Sir Rowland, and the “As You Like It” Wood, is being offered for the first time, to meet public demand to have guided access to this normally largely private landscape.

This tour offers a unique opportunity to:

• Witness the ongoing work of archaeological discovery at the lost castle site.
• Experience the tranquility of the Well of Catharsis.
• Visit the Soulton Long Barrow, a new feature honoring ancient traditions.
• Immerse yourself in the beauty of the bluebell-filled As You Like It Wood.
• Explore the historical connections to Shakespeare’s “Old Sir Rowland.”

Shakespeare Quote on a sign in the AS YOU LIKE IT wood at Soulton: And this our life exempt from public haunt
Finds tongues in trees, books in the running brooks,
Sermons in stones and good in every thing.
I would not change it.