RESTORATION OF BEST STAIRCASE

 

The restoration of the Best Staircase (see G13a, F13, F11a on below Ground Floor and First Floor plans) is to recover the hierarchy of the original architect Henry Flitcroft’s design.

The present stair replaces the original Best Stair that rose to the Second Floor, thus giving access to the Long Gallery. It was curtailled to connect only the Ground Floor and the First Floor by Flitcroft in the 1740s, and lead to the suite of principal rooms along the First Floor of the Front Wing which he remodelled at the same time. 

As at Wimpole Hall, Cambridgeshire (Flitcroft 18th C), the enriched plasterwork is concentrated at the first floor level in support of the grand rooms in that storey. The enrichment of the lower storey by Cowtan c1900 contradicts the original hierarchy and its excessive depth is in sharp contrast to that of the upper storey. 

For specific alterations to a room, please review rooms details to be found on Ground Floor and First Floor pages.

 


the plans before restoration
click on the plans to enlarge