First burial mound in thousands of years could be built in Shropshire
A burial mound could be built in Shropshire for the first time in thousands of years, it has been announced.
The owners of Soulton Hall and farm near Wem are working with the company Sacred Stones to create a stone chamber covered in earth, which would be a memorial space to store people's ashes.
If planning permission is granted, the long barrow could be built by the end of this year.
A statement on behalf of the owners said: "We are delighted to announce a collaboration with Sacred Stones which will seek to construct of the first barrow in Shropshire in thousands of years.
"This follows the creation of the two beautiful new barrows at All Cannings, Wiltshire, and at Willow Row, Cambridgeshire. The same team of master craftsmen will be involved here.
"A site has been identified in open country on our farm a quarter of a mile to the north of the manor house, between two natural ponds each surrounded by open copse of trees the site has fine views to Hawkstone Hill – a place of timeless quietness hosting a diversity of wildlife.
"When complete, this will be an enduring memorial space for our community, providing a timeless place for reflection and renewal and a beautiful, subtle and abiding monument.
"We have approached this project with a great deal of sensitivity. We care for an ancient landscape with significant archaeology already on this farm and we have had some fantastic support and engagement from Cambridge University's Division of Archaeology, from Shropshire Council's historic environment team, and we also undertook to visit a number of Neolithic sites to inform the design over a period of many months."
An open day to allow the public to view the plans will take place on February 5 between 2pm and 4.30pm.
Further details about the project can be found on the Sacred Stones website.
