Few things contribute more character to a historic house than an old staircase. Timber stairs older than the 16th century were generally either some type of ladder or were built in spiral form. From the 16th century, framed staircases emerged gradually with boards forming treads and risers housed in strings, plus turned balusters and newels carrying handrails. These stairs were originally of hardwood, typically oak, but later predominantly in softwood. They often gave an opportunity for architectural expression, exhibiting ornate balustrading
