Soulton Hall’s centuries-old links to London under council spotlight
Councillors will consider a motion highlighting newly researched links between Soulton Hall and medieval London
Shropshire councillors are to debate newly researched historical links between Soulton Hall and the City of London.
A motion due before Shropshire Council on September 24 highlights research suggesting that items associated with St Erkenwald and the high altar stone of Old St Paul’s Cathedral may have been taken to Soulton Hall for safekeeping during the upheavals of the 16th century.
The motion has been put forward by Councillor Alan Holford and is supported by Councillors Bernie Bentick, Duncan Borrowman, Adam Fejfer, Gary Groves, Ruth Houghton, Heather Kidd, Rosie Radford, Alex Wagner and Alison Williams.
It states that the cultural memory of St Erkenwald and the high altar stone is “deeply held” in Shropshire and London, while noting that recent research suggests physical items associated with them may have been placed at Soulton Hall.
The motion also refers to Sir Rowland Hill of Soulton, who served as Lord Mayor of London from 1549 to 1550.
It says that, if the items were taken to Soulton, their protection formed part of a wider pattern of what it describes as statecraft by Sir Rowland, who used his position to preserve books, records and cultural heritage during the religious and political upheavals of the period.
Councillors are also being asked to recognise the work of researchers James D Wenn and James Syrett of Byrga Geniht Ltd, and Aed Thompson, in bringing the research to light.
The motion thanks the Ashton family and its ancestors for their care of Soulton Hall and says the discoveries could provide an opportunity to build understanding between different faith communities.
It also highlights the Quit Rents ceremony, describing it as a shared tradition between Shropshire and the City of London dating back more than 800 years.
The council has previously discussed research concerning Soulton Hall and its historical and cultural links.
In February, a council response to a public question described emerging research into the possible relics of St Erkenwald and the high altar stone of Old St Paul’s as potentially significant to Shropshire’s heritage and visitor economy.
The council's current destination management plan also refers to Soulton Hall's history, including its Shakespearean connections and religious artefacts.
The motion will be considered at the full council meeting at The Guildhall, Shrewsbury, on Thursday, September 24.