Alumnus unearths fascinating secrets at Shropshire hall

An alumnus of Harper Adams University has discussed newly-uncovered secrets at the Shropshire hall his family are stewards of on a renowned history podcast.

Tim Ashton, who completed a Masters in Sustainable Crop Production at the University, lives at Soulton Hall, near Wem.

Created in the 16th century by Sir Rowland Hill, a high-ranking Tudor statesman, publisher and former Lord Mayor of London, the hall has long fascinated historians.

Sir Rowland is believed to have been the inspiration behind Shakespeare’s renowned play As You Like It, and it has long been known Soulton had many other secrets hidden within its walls.

Now, new research by a cultural and historical consultancy suggests those walls themselves hold the key to a groundbreaking secret – and the hall may even be the resting place of an early Christian bishop who helped to shape British laws and religion.

The analysis, by James D Wenn and James Syrett of consultancy Byrga Genhit, suggests architectural dimensions and other features in the house deliberately mirror lost monuments and destroyed shrines – including those of a renowned early Christian figure.

Tim said: “We have identified what an ever-growing number of stakeholders with a growing amount of confidence are saying it the lost high altar structure of Old St Paul’s Cathedral alongside physical remains linked to Erkenwald, the 7th-century Bishop of London.

“Erkenwald was an influential early lawgiver whose legal frameworks played a foundational role in shaping the principles that eventually led to Magna Carta.

“We owe James and James massive credit and deep gratitude for their groundbreaking research, brilliant architectural analysis, and tireless dedication.

“Their revelations have transformed our understanding of Soulton Hall, demonstrating how intellect, coded design, and quiet determination were used to protect the shared past of the nation during a period often remembered only for widespread Tudor destruction.”

The new discoveries – which have attracted international attention - have also been the focus of an episode of popular podcast The Rest Is History, hosted by Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook.

During the podcast, Mr Holland described the latest revelations as ‘the nearest to a Tudor Da Vinci Code that I have ever come across.’

Tim added: “"Having known Tom Holland for a long time, we have shared many conversations over the years about this special place.

“Like us, Tom was long intrigued and puzzled by the deeper, hidden story of Soulton Hall and felt there was much more beneath the surface waiting to be understood."

The podcast is set to be released soon – and you can listen to James D  Wenn discuss more about the Hall’s story on BBC radio here from 3 hours 38 minutes in, including how technology being developed at Harper Adams University helped examine the site.

Representatives from across Shropshire and beyond – including Dr Simone Clarke, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Education and Students - will attended an event at the Hall last night to hear more about the discoveries.

A sculpture designed to protect the site associated with St Erkenwald while longer-term plans are developed has been installed at the hall.

Known as Feretory, its design resembles both a pyramid and, from above, the arms of the City of London.

It was welded by Soulton Farm engineer Phil Wheeler, in a nod to the importance of faming to both the present hall and its history.