The Ashton family outside Soulton Hall
Unravel the Secrets of Soulton Hall: A Journey Through Tudor Intrigue
Multiple Dates and Times | Soulton Hall, SY4 5RS | £25 (includes tea and cake)
Discover the Coded Message Within Soulton’s Walls
Step into the captivating world of Soulton Hall, a historic residence steeped in Elizabethan intrigue and built by the remarkable Sir Rowland Hill. More than just a house, Soulton is a coded message, waiting for you to decipher its secrets.
A Tale of Defiance and Inspiration
Within its walls lies a story of defiance against oppression, artistic inspiration, and the dawn of a new age. Sir Rowland Hill, a pivotal figure in the Reformation and a member of 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 publication of the Geneva Bible. This revolutionary translation, deemed heretical by some, is one of the most important texts ever printed.
A Refuge and Artistic Muse
Soulton Hall served as a refuge during times of persecution, offering sanctuary to those in danger and safeguarding scholarly materials for future generations. Sir Rowland’s influence extended beyond religion; his network and passion for the arts ignited the creative spark of William Shakespeare, his cousin via Mary Arden. The idyllic setting and clandestine activities within Soulton are believed to have inspired “As You Like It.” This is further underlined by Soulton being the ancestral home of the Lodge family before 1556, connecting it to Thomas Lodge’s “Rosalynde” (1590) and “Old” Sir Rowland.
Experience Tudor England
Soulton Hall offers a tangible connection to the Tudor period and the Elizabethan Golden Age, a time of unparalleled danger, creativity, and intellectual awakening. The house stands as a testament to Sir Rowland Hill, a brave man who dared to challenge the status quo and ushered in a new era.
Tour Highlights:
- Concealed chapel and priest’s hide
- Renaissance codes and chess court
- Wren Steps and “As You Like It” dancing pavement
- Rowland Hill Furniture
Accessibility:
Please note that Soulton Hall’s historic structure presents access challenges. The main floor is accessed via seven shallow steps (Wren Steps) in the gravelled chess court. Inside, three tour rooms are on the principal floor, with WC access up three further steps. The basement is accessed via 13 stairs, and the first gallery via 19 stairs. Step-free access is available to outdoor spaces, an accessible WC, and a meeting/entertaining room (Moot Hall) in Soulton Court, accessed by 16 stairs.
Book Your Tour Today!
Unravel the coded message of Soulton Hall and experience a journey through Tudor history.
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