{"id":107063,"date":"2022-02-24T13:34:34","date_gmt":"2022-02-24T12:34:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/centmagazine.co.uk\/?p=107063"},"modified":"2022-02-24T13:39:51","modified_gmt":"2022-02-24T12:39:51","slug":"a-whirl-of-stairs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/staging.centmagazine.co.uk\/?p=107063","title":{"rendered":"A Whirl of Stairs"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Round and round to the top we go, spiralling up, your head is spinning. You\u2019re left giddy once you have reached your destination, yet you may not have realised how rich of a history the stairs you just climbed truly have. We often climb staircases for the purpose of getting to the top. Some of us have been told that it is not about the destination but more about the journey, but there is so much significance within the very spiral staircase you’re standing on. Since ancient times, architects have been constructing staircases. But why, even at the beginning of history, are they spiralling? There must be a purpose.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Centuries ago, spiral staircases were considered to be revolutionary technology. They served a very specific purpose- protection. As castles were built to house royalty, spiral staircases were constructed to add additional protection. These staircases were strategically designed to curve in a clockwise direction, therefore, favouring guards coming down the stairs rather than intruders going up. Right-handed swordsmen could not swing their swords going up the stairs, however defenders coming down the stairs had much more room. Many of these staircases were built in tight quarters with uneven steps to make the climb even more difficult and slow down the intruder.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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As time went on, spiral staircases began to be built in classical buildings and cathedrals which allowed architects the opportunity to master the beauty of crafting a spiral staircase. In the borough of Greenwich, you can find The Queen\u2019s House which is home to the \u201cTulip Stairs<\/a>.\u201d Designed by the architect Inigo Jones in 1636, the Tulip Stairs were the first centrally unsupported staircase in Great Britain. They get their name from the striking contrast of blue railings against the white walls. At St. Paul\u2019s Cathedral in London, you can find, \u201cThe Dean\u2019s Stairs.\u201d A spiral staircase designed by Chrisopher Wren in 1705. The stairs have a unique design that gives the appearance of each step \u201cfloating.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n