Shropshire Star

Soulton Hall archaeological digs unearth centuries of secrets at venue with links to Shakespeare

Six seasons of archaeological digs at Soulton Hall near Wem have concluded, revealing a fascinating timeline of the estate's transformation over centuries.

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Led by Dig Ventures, the project spanned 17 trenches, uncovering secrets dating back to the medieval era, and beyond.

The digs began by investigating the history of Soulton Mound, once a prestigious medieval residence of one of Shropshire's first MPs.

Excavations unearthed a remarkable tiny castle from the 12th century, complete with a moat and a rare, well-preserved timber bridge.

Tim Ashton of Soulton Hall in Wem with a picture of Sir Rowland Hill

Intriguing finds within the moat included an ampulla (a small flask) and a cross.

The dig also revealed the structure's walls, suggesting stone removal for later construction phases, potentially used in the current Soulton Hall.