Why did medieval castles have spiral staircases?

Of them, the staircases built in a spiral manner has been observed frequently in several towers and manors. A recent finding by blogger Will Kalif explained, the medieval architects built the staircases to wrap around in a clockwise direction in order to disadvantage any enemies who might climb them.

Why were castle staircase made to be so narrow?

Because the steps are so steep, the defenders’ arms would be even further away from the attackers, while their legs would be even more exposed. The extremely steep, narrow steps of a medieval stairwell would actually put the defenders at a serious disadvantage.

Why do castle stairs run clockwise?

The Ingenious Reason Medieval Castle Staircases Were Built Clockwise. Just as the clockwise spiral hindered attackers, so, too, did it favor the castle’s defenders. As they descended, they could swing their swords in arcs that matched the curve of the outer wall, and use the inner wall as a partial shield.

Who built the miraculous staircase?

It is known for its unusual helix-shaped spiral staircase (the “Miraculous Stair”). The Sisters of Loretto credited St. Joseph with its construction. It has been the subject of legend, and the circumstances surrounding its construction and its builder were considered miraculous by the Sisters of Loretto.

What is the deepest staircase in the world?

The Guinness Book of World Records-recognized longest staircase can be found on Niesen Mountain with a whopping 11,674 stairs – that’s more than three times as many as in the Burj Khalifa.

Did the Romans have stairs?

Ancient Roman Stair Design Like the Greeks, Romans embraced design and truly had a flair for it. Also like those in Greece, early Roman stairs were generally straight and included in theatres and stadiums. In A.D. 113, the Romans created history with a new innovative approach to stair design.

Did they put crocodiles in moats?

Castle moats were usually between 5 and 40 feet deep, and they were not always filled with water. In many stories, moats are filled with alligators or crocodiles. This is a myth. However, moats were sometimes filled with fish or eels for food.

What were cats and dogs used for within castles?

Cats and dogs were kept in castles to help kill rats and keep them from eating the grain stores.

Why are the stairs in the Middle Ages built clockwise?

Though it’s not always obvious to the eye, most of these staircases were actually designed clockwise. They were built this way for one very good reason: safety. It turns out that the direction of the staircases was meant to make it harder for an attacker coming up the stairs to draw their sword.

Why are the stairwells of medieval castles designed as a spiral?

If you have ever visited a medieval castle, you might have noticed that the stairwells are designed as a clockwise spiral. There is a very good reason why medieval castle designers chose to build them this way, and again it is all about defense.

What is the advantage of ascending stairs clockwise?

Anyone coming down the stairs would then have an advantage, as their sword hand would be on the outside of the wall, giving them more room to swing. By ascending clockwise, the attacker would also be exposing more of their body in order to get their sword.

Why do stairs have a curved right hand?

According to Will Kalif of All Things Medieval, “this meant that any attackers coming up the stairs had their sword hands (right hand) against the interior curve of the wall and this made it very difficult for them to swing their swords.”