The Victorian era brought about significant changes in architecture, including the construction of staircases intended solely for the servants of affluent households. These staircases, often hidden away from the main living areas, served as vital passageways for the household staff but posed significant risks if not designed correctly.
In 1847, mathematician and architect Peter Nicholson proposed a formula for crafting secure staircases, suggesting a minimum step length of 4 feet. However, implementing this formula proved challenging within the narrow confines of Victorian homes, leading to the creation of servant staircases with steps as shallow as 2 & 1/2 feet. These steps lacked uniformity in design and frequently lacked handrails, making descent a hazardous undertaking.
The design of servant staircases was governed by practical considerations rather than comfort or safety. Space was a luxury for servants,
