A Historic Connection Between Soulton Hall and Shakespeare
A historic connection between a Shropshire country estate and the works of William Shakespeare has recently been brought to the attention of Parliament. North Shropshire Liberal Democrat MP Helen Morgan introduced an early day motion (EDM) on Wednesday, highlighting the literary heritage of Soulton Hall in Wem. This Grade II venue, which dates back to the 16th century, is believed to have inspired the setting for Shakespeare’s comedy As You Like It*.
The EDM calls on members of the House of Commons to acknowledge the historical ties between Soulton Hall and the Bard, emphasizing its significance in the world of English literature. The motion also draws attention to the genealogical links between the Hill family, who historically lived at the home, and Mary Arden, Shakespeare’s mother. It is suggested that Sir Rowland Hill, a relative of Mary Arden, may have inspired the character of Old Sir Rowland in As You Like It.
Literary Legacy and Historical Significance
Soulton Hall is also notable for being the birthplace of Rosalynde, an Elizabethan literary work by Thomas Lodge, which is recognized as the basis for As You Like It. A blue plaque at the manor commemorates this connection. Additionally, Lodge lived at Soulton Hall as a child, further strengthening the link between the estate and the play.
Morgan emphasized the importance of recognizing these connections, stating that “by formally acknowledging the historical and literary ties that connect Soulton, Thomas Lodge and Shakespeare’s own family circle, Parliament is recognising a living continuation of heritage.”
Modern Relevance and Cultural Impact
In addition to its historical significance, Soulton Hall has played a vital role in modern cultural events. The Shropshire Youth Theatre will be performing an outdoor version of As You Like It at the site on 8 May, set against the backdrop of rave culture in a 1994 setting. This performance marks the theatre company’s homecoming to the location that inspired its origins.
The estate has also served as a cultural sanctuary, hosting the National Youth Theatre during the pandemic and staging over a quarter of the Shakespearean canon. Morgan described the partnership between the charity and private sectors as a “vital engine for rural civic renewal and the celebration of North Shropshire’s international literary heritage.”
Scholarly Insights and Ongoing Research
Farmer Tim Aston, a custodian at the estate and a relative of the Hill family, is currently studying an MA in Shakespeare Studies at the University of Birmingham. His research focuses on the connections between Soulton Hall and the Bard. Aston noted that the links were confirmed by scholar James Wenn shortly after the coronavirus pandemic. Before this, he said he “sort of knew and didn’t know at the same time.”
Aston also highlighted another connection between the estate and As You Like It. He mentioned that a paved area of the house contains a pattern that could be linked to the choreography of the dance at the end of the play. According to Wenn, this area was created in 1847 to preserve the dance for eight people (four couples) that marks the climax of the play. The design was an attempt to preserve traditions that people have taken great pains to maintain over the centuries.
A Unique Perspective
While Aston acknowledges that “novel claims about Shakespeare have to be approached with a lot of care,” he believes the links between Soulton Hall and the Bard are genuine. Speaking about the mention in Parliament, he described it as “bewildering and uplifting and wonderful.”
The recognition of Soulton Hall’s literary and historical significance not only honors its past but also reinforces its role in preserving and celebrating the legacy of one of England’s most celebrated playwrights.
