18Th Century Staircase

[March-Hare]

Why would there be six circular holes drilled into the risers on the above? They are about 1" diameter and in two sets of three ...... its a totally wooden staircase ....... . Noise reduction?

[bhg481]

Ventilation for the room under the stairs?

[March-Hare]

No rooms under the stairs but thanks for your answer bhg :-)

[treetops68]

Or maybe you have some extra-large woodworm?

[March-Hare]

Erm ...... no its not woodworm ;-)

[SeaJayPea]

Suggestion - could there once have been a cupboard under the stairs that was used as a home for some kind of animal?

[The Builder]

That's a new one on me, I'm afraid.
Ventilation is the only thing I can think of. Although there isn't a "room" under the stairs, that area is particularly prone to damp, mould etc since it's an enclosed space.

[bert_h]

Illumination. Artificial lighting was expensive in the 18th century, and one of an architect's principal constraints was getting daylight into as much of a house as possible. Glass fanlights above doors, to illuminate otherwise dark corridors, are the best-known example. Servants' quarters or work areas would be expected to manage with a mere glimmer of daylight. I've never seen this 3-holes version, but I've seen shallow lens-shaped cut-outs in stair risers in a couple of different places, and worked out that was their purpose - one was in stone in an old Highland castle, maybe Craigievar, and one in a Queen Anne mansion near Edinburgh.

[March-Hare]

Couldn't be ventilation for under stairs as beneath the staircase the skipping ceilings are played ..... so the holes in the risers are not exposed to anywhere below. No cupboards under the stairs. House has three three stairs all in same well and all have this pattern of holes on all risers. No evidence or likelihood that it was ever carpeted. Thanks for your suggestions so far!

[The Builder]

Could still be ventilation for the staircase itself... since the underside is plastered.

On more than one occasion I've removed plaster from the underside of Georgian Geometrical staircases (spirally type with hole right up through the various floors). I've done this to remove huge amounts of fruiting spores and fungus that is severe Dry Rot. (Caused by lack of ventilation.)

I may still be way off the mark in your case though... just a thought.

[March-Hare]

Wish I could post a photo .... but it was a house I only visited ....... For anyone who might know it, it's Soho House in Birmingham. ....

[frugalfred]

https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7122/6864690994_c418578fe1_z.jpg

Paste above into browser. Is this the staircase. March-Hare?

[frugalfred]

Got it!!!
http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowUserReviews-g186402-d195815-r174105100-Soho_House_Museum-Birmingham_West_Midlands_England.html

It was for warm air to circulate around the house.

[Graham-W]

Here's a pic of what I think you mean. Ventilation or heating as others have said.
http://www.directenquiries.com/information/Soho%20House%20Museum/367995/detail/1028-0006370/49/information.aspx

[stewey]

Some good research you did, frugalfred.

[frugalfred]

Thanks, stewey. Good old Google, eh?

[frugalfred]

Best answer for scrivens, say I.

[March-Hare]

Thanks everyone .... and yes, that is indeed the staircase. I have also learnt that although I engendered two sets of three holes per riser, they are actually in fives like in a dice! Not so observant after all! I still don't entirely understand how it works as the holes don't go anywhere, but thanks for shedding light on their use.