Watch Party: Partial Solar Eclipse

On Saturday, March 29, 2025, a partial solar eclipse will grace the skies above the UK.

To celebrate this astronomical event, the Ashton family will be opening the normally private Epidaurus Court at Soulton Hall for an informal watch party that starts at 0945 and finishes at noon.

Click here to RSVP and get your free tickets.

Admission to the normally private Epidaurus Court is free for this community event.

Partial eclipse seen at Soulton Hall in 2015, on welding mask

Astronomy and natural science were a strong interest of Renaissance people, and Sir Rowland Hill was in the forefront of such individuals.

Portrait of Sir Rowland Hill, Mercer’s Copy

His interest in the subject is evidenced by the alignment of Soulton Hall on the Easter sunrise and the way the chapel in the house incorporates a camera obscura.

First published picture of camera obscura, in Gemma Frisius’ 1545 book De Radio Astronomica et Geometrica

Join us for this unique opportunity to witness a celestial wonder. Mark your calendars and get ready for a memorable experience.

A lectern in the Epidaurus Court at Soulton Hall

Remember to always prioritize eye safety. Never look directly at the Sun, even during a partial eclipse. Use proper solar eclipse glasses or a solar filter to safely observe the event. You will need to make your own arrangements for eye safety.

Please also remember that we cannot control the weather—so, like everyone else, we will be hoping it isn’t cloudy!

The event is outside on grass; there is an accessible WC at Soulton Court. Anyone in a wheelchair will need to make thier needs know so they can be directed to enter via the Dance Court.

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The animation here shows what the eclipse approximately looks like.