THE TURRET  STAIRCASE

Inside communication was achieved thanks to a small spiral staircase nested in a turret –itself inserted in the north-western corner of the building. This turret did not communicate with the outside.

The door giving access to the staircase from the lower room is only 41cm wide, the staircase itself being less than 50 cm in width. That narrowness proves the impossibility for a large number of people to have lived in the building permanently. Such staircases are found in places to which only few people were given access –for instance the bell-towers in churches– or where safety rules prohibited extensive use –such as castles or mansions.

As yet, it's a sure fact that the staircase led to a first floor of wooden boards; however, we still don't know if the presence of a second floor can be interpreted as meaning continued access to the eaves.

Photo Escalier


Return