Shropshire Council and Soulton Hall: Futher Heritage Motion Tabled in Full Council

Following the unanimous support for the historic motion passed earlier this summer celebrating the estate’s literary and historical links to William Shakespeare, an additional motion concerning Soulton Hall heritage has been formally tabled for the upcoming full council meeting on 24 September.

Brought forward by Councillor Alan Holford and supported by Councillors Bernie Bentick, Duncan Borrowman, Adam Fejfer, Gary Groves, Ruth Houghton, Heather Kidd, Rosie Radford, Alex Wagner, and Alison Williams, the complete text of the motion reads as follows:

Council Motion: Soulton Hall Heritage

Motion received from Councillor Alan Holford and supported by Bernie Bentick, Duncan Borrowman, Adam Fejfer, Gary Groves, Ruth Houghton, Heather Kidd, Rosie Radford, Alex Wagner and Alison Williams

This Council:

1. Acknowledges the cultural memory of Saint Erkenwald and the high altar stone of Old St Paul’s Cathedral is deeply held in both Shropshire and London, and notes recent research suggests that physical items associated with them may have been placed at Soulton Hall for safe keeping.

2. Observes that if these items were translated, their protection formed part of a broader pattern of statecraft by Sir Rowland Hill of Soulton (Lord Mayor of London 1549–50), who repeatedly used his authority to preserve endangered books, records, and cultural heritage, offering a principled response to the destruction, violence, and profound loss of human life during the upheavals of the sixteenth century.

3. Expresses gratitude to James D. Wenn and James Syrett of Byrga Geniht Ltd, and to Aed Thompson, for their research and expertise in bringing these matters to light.

4. Expresses thanks to the Ashton family and their ancestors. Their continuous care of Soulton Hall has preserved this history during dangerous times, and they are now presenting it to the public with care and discernment.

5. Recognises that these events offer a rare chance to build understanding and bridge divides between different faith communities today.

6. Highlights the ancient Quit Rents ceremony – a shared tradition between Shropshire and the City of London spanning over 800 years where these historical matters were formally addressed during the 813th ceremony.

7. Affirms that Shropshire deeply values its close relationship with the City of London built over centuries and continuing today.

Interested visitors and local community members may consult the Shropshire Council committee services pages as the official agenda is published in the week prior to the event.