These are the 'Witches’ Stairs' commonly found in old New England homes.
It is believed that the design was thought to confuse or trap witches, preventing them from easily climbing the stairs due to the staggered pattern.
@BiancoDavinci #witchcraft #globalmuseum #NewEngland #heritage
@globalmuseum I'd be confused and trapped too
@globalmuseum I love the concept. I think it would make stair climbing more comfortable.
@globalmuseum good for getting rid of grandma. 😶
@globalmuseum The only verifiable fact here is the term, though even that's uncertain. After more than half a century in New England, I've yet to see even ONE example of these in ANY home, of any age or provenance. I'm sure there're out there, but they're definitely not "commonly found". They were invented as a space-saving device, and modern examples exist in some industrial spaces. (Especially under the brand name Lapeyre, who make a prefab modular metal version.)
@globalmuseum Hit and miss stairs. They still get used in many places, often for access to a loft room, without sacrificing as much space as a normal, less steep, staircase would occupy.
Personally, I'd be more afraid of Daleks than witches. At least Daleks are real.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MK9liYPm7eE
#DoctorWho
@globalmuseum @spacemagick they aren't bothered by stairs either
One day, in the dim distant future, when humans have finally grown up, there'll be a huge museum filled with examples of non-self-aware OCD architecture like staggered stairs, churches, temples, giant Buddhas, etc.
LOL
@globalmuseum Interesting. I need those, too!
