Join a popular Historic Houses Association Heritage Access House Tour.

Follow this link to book via the HHA site.

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Unveil the secrets nestled within the walls of Soulton Hall, a captivating residence steeped in history and intrigue. Built by Sir Rowland Hill, a man woven into the fabric of the Tudor era, the house is constructed in Renaissance codes, waiting to be deciphered.

Within its walls lies a story of defiance to oppression, of artistic inspiration, and of the dawn of a new age.

Sir Rowland Hill, a pivotal figure in Reformation and on the Privy Councils of Henry VIII, Edward VI, Mary I and Elizabeth I, used Soulton Hall as a clandestine base for his most daring act – the work one the Elizabethan Golden Age and the publication of the Geneva Bible. This revolutionary translation, deemed heretical in its moment and later ratified, is one of the most important texts ever printed.

Soulton Hall was also a refuge. During times of persecution, the house provided sanctuary to those in danger, offering them a safe haven from the storm.

Scholarly materials, were also kept secure home within Soulton’s walls, ensuring their survival for future generations.

Sir Rowland’s influence extended beyond the realm of religion.

His network of contacts and his passion for the arts played a pivotal role in igniting the creative spark of William Shakespeare, is cousin via Mary Arden. The idyllic setting and clandestine activities within Soulton Hall inspired the beloved Shakespeare comedy As You Like It. This is underlined by the fact that Soulton was the family home of the Lodge family prior to 1556 and hence is tied to the writer of the source book, Thomas Lodge via Rosalynde (1590) as well as ‘Old’ Sir Rowland.

The Sir Rowland Hill Staircase, from the single phase of construction pre1560

Soulton is a thrilling connection to the Tudor Period and Elizabethan Golden Age, a period of unparalleled danger, creativity and intellectual awakening.

The house stands as a testament to Sir Rowland Hill, a kind and brave man who dared to challenge the status quo and ushered in a new era.

The tour includes the concealed chapel, priests hide, a sense of some of the Renaissance codes, the chess court and Wren Steps as well as the As You Like It dancing pavement and the Rowland Hill Furniture.