21/11/2025
In light of recent fascinating research into Soulton Hall's history (including themes of humanism and preservation), the Ashton family has offered a perspective on how these discoveries are carefully upheld alongside the foundational, neutral identity of the wider landscape.
Click in the link below for more.
Soulton Long Barrow represents a significant project begun in 2015 and completed as a building on the Winter Solstice 2021.
From the outset, we have had very clear and firm commitments regarding its identity and purpose as a dedicated space. Meanwhile, many of you have also been following the historical discoveries emerging from Soulton Hall, particularly those connected to Sir Rowland Hill, the man responsible for the Hall's construction, and the background to Shakespeare's As You Like It.
After years of dedicated work, the Ashton family recently released new information that reveals significant depth to the history of this ancient place.
This new context concerns the Hall’s original constructor and the acts of preservation he undertook here almost 500 years ago.
Rowland Hill was a humanist resisting persecution, protecting people in danger, and Soulton was used as a sanctuary—just like the Forest of Arden in Shakespeare's play.
Soulton Hall now has a much deeper Reformation story to tell, which connects it in a sophisticated and pluralistic way to a particular moment in memory, and is therefore inevitably relevant to the constituencies that were engaged there.
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It is important that we provide clear context regarding our philosophy of stewardship, ensuring these new discoveries and the Barrow's core purpose are held in superposition through the mindful approach we have already established. These insights enrich Soulton’s heritage, and they invite us to engage thoughtfully with the nuance they reveal.
This presents a valuable moment to reiterate the foundational values of the Barrow and their coexistence with this now more publicly held part of the Hall's story.
Soulton Hall and the Long Barrow: Two Stories in One Setting
While the Hall and the Barrow share a setting, we want to clearly affirm the foundational status of the Soulton Long Barrow and confirm that they are not philosophically or physically the same story.
The Barrow is upheld as a dedicated space for managed neutrality—a safe place, open to all people of any belief, or none, where all are equally respected.
We achieve the coexistence of the Hall's historical findings and the Barrow's core non-denominational purpose through careful management and our ongoing cultural programming, ensuring the integrity of the whole estate is maintained.
We view this state of respectful harmony as fulfilling our duty as designated neutral guardians and supporting the fellowship and mutual inquiry that is a long-standing tradition here.
Please take a moment to read our full statement for the complete context:
➡️ Read the full statement on the Soulton Hall Blog:
https://soultonhall.co.uk/2025/stewardship-conscience-and-heritage-holding-soulton-in-superposition/
