The History, Design and Archaeology of Staircases in the Mediaeval and Early Modern Periods
We might think of staircases as a seemingly functional or mundane part of our buildings. However, in this talk we will re-evaluate our relationship with stairs by looking at their history, design and archaeology. Superficially, staircases are a means to access upper or lower storeys in a building… but in the past they could be connected to notions of elite status, the control of access to important rooms, and major social changes in society.
During the mediaeval period, staircases were associated with the most prestigious buildings, such as churches or castles, which demanded upper levels in their architecture. However, by the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries sweeping changes were afoot across society and the stairs began to be constructed in more humble homes. Their appearance can be linked to adjustments in attitudes to privacy, technology, possessions, education and the environment.
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