Shropshire Council Passes Motion on Saint Erkenwald Relics and Soulton Hall Custodianship

In a notable intersection between a democratic county assembly and engagement with national patrimony questions, Shropshire Council unanimously passed a cross-party motion on 24 September celebrating the county’s deep historical links to London and Essex, acknowledging research that brings forward physical items associated with Saint Erkenwald and a lost altar stone from Old St Paul’s Cathedral at Soulton Hall.

Brought forward by Councillor Alan Holford and backed by members across the political spectrum—including Mayor of Shrewsbury Bernie Bentick, Conservative Councillor Dan Thomas, and Reform UK Councillor Charles Sheakley Bennett—the motion highlights a profound narrative of heritage preservation and civic renewal.

At the centre of the debate was the cultural memory of Saint Erkenwald, a 7th-century figure known for promoting unity, tolerance, and inclusive ideas during a notoriously volatile era.

Council members and contributors observed how drawing upon these themes provides a powerful framework for modern civic pride and interfaith dialogue, reflecting on how items associated with such a figure might have been hidden and saved for nearly 500 years to await better days.

The historic safeguarding of these matters is tied directly to the statecraft of Sir Rowland Hill of Soulton (Lord Mayor of London 1549–50), who used his authority during the turbulent religious upheavals of the 16th century to protect endangered records, books, and cultural artefacts.

Reflecting on the council’s decision, Tim Ashton of Soulton Hall remarked:

“Hearing the interfaith and fellowship points expressed so sincerely in a democratic assembly was very powerful. My family was deeply humbled and moved to receive thanks on the record for the protection of these things over a long time and at some personal danger at times, alongside proposed honours for researchers James Wenn and James Syrett.”

The motion as ammended also formally recognises the meticulous expert consultancy of James D. Wenn and James Syrett of Byrga Geniht Ltd, proposing formal honours for their work in bringing these matters to light.

Furthermore, it acknowledges the Ashton family’s nearly 500-year custodianship of Soulton Hall, celebrating their continuous care in protecting these pieces of national history through periods of intense peril.

By bridging centuries of shared tradition, including the ancient 813-year-old Quit Rents ceremony linking Shropshire with the City of London, this unanimous vote underscores a vital chapter in English heritage, demonstrating how local stewardship continues to illuminate our shared national story.

For further details and to read the full text of the Shropshire Council motion, visit the Soulton Hall Blog.

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