Soulton Long Barrow facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Soulton Long Barrow |
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Soulton Long Barrow just after dawn on the Summer Solstice 2020
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| Record height | |
| General information | |
| Status | Complete |
| Architectural style | Neoneolitic |
| Location | Soulton, near Wem SY4 5RS |
| Coordinates | 52°52′26″N 2°40′43″W / 52.8738°N 2.6786°W |
| Construction started | 2017 |
| Completed | December 2020 |
| Opening | 2018 |
| Owner | Soulton Hall |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect | Michele Gaffney (Architectural Designer) |
| Developer | Sacred Stones |
| Structural engineer | Jonathan Burke |
| Main contractor | Riverdale Stone |
The Soulton Long Barrow and Ritual Landscape is a special modern memorial. It looks like an ancient long barrow and is located in the beautiful countryside of Soulton, near Wem in Shropshire, England.
This barrow has special spaces inside where people can place urns containing the ashes of loved ones. It is also a place for communities to gather, celebrate life, and enjoy activities together. The structure is made of stone rooms covered by a large earth mound. Building started in 2017, and a main stone was placed in spring 2018. The famous writer and historian Tom Holland even helped add an early stone.
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What Inspired the Soulton Long Barrow?
Connecting with Ancient History
The design of the Soulton Long Barrow was inspired by very old Neolithic barrows. These ancient burial mounds were built about 5,500 years ago! The creators also looked at newer barrows like the Long Barrow at All Cannings in Wiltshire and the Willow Row Barrow near St Neots, Cambridgeshire.
Famous Ancient Sites That Inspired the Barrow
Other ancient monuments that inspired the Soulton Long Barrow include Bryn Celli Ddu, Barclodiad y Gawres, and Stoney Littleton Long Barrow. To make sure the barrow was built correctly and respectfully, the builders worked with archaeologists from the University of Cambridge.
Special Gate Design
The unique gate for the barrow was designed by Giles Smith. He is part of a group called the Assemble Collective, which won the famous 2015 Turner Prize for art. The first part of the barrow was ready for use in the summer of 2018. A second part of the barrow was built and finished in the winter of 2019.
The Sanctuary: A Henge Amphitheater
In 2020, a special outdoor performance area was added in front of the barrow. It is shaped like a henge, which is a circular monument, and is called "The Sanctuary." This was built partly to help with the problems faced by live shows and theatre during the COVID-19 pandemic.
First Performance at The Sanctuary
The National Youth Theatre used "The Sanctuary" for their first live performance since the pandemic lockdowns. They performed a brand new play called "The Last Harvest." Local communities also planned to use this space for Christmas nativity events during the pandemic restrictions.
Soulton Standing Stones
There are several tall standing stones that show the way to the barrow from Soulton Road. Three very large limestone standing stones were placed along the path to the barrow in autumn 2017.
Where the Stones Came From
The stone for these huge monoliths, just like the stone for the barrow itself, came from Churchfield Quarry near Oundle, Peterborough. These standing stones are mainly for guiding visitors and do not have any special astronomical alignment.
The Covid Stone
In 2020, another standing stone was added to the area. This stone is special because it lines up with the setting sun on the winter solstice. It was placed there to remember and honor the families who suffered during the Coronavirus Pandemic.
Future Plans: A Modern Henge Monument
In March 2020, plans were announced to build another modern henge monument very close to the barrow. This shows how the Soulton Long Barrow area continues to grow and develop as a place for community and remembrance.
