Exploring Kent's Past

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Monument details

Summary

Grade I listed building. Main construction periods 1100 to 1199. A 12th century stair case which originally lead to the mid-12th century first floor hall known on a contemporary plan as the "Aula Nova" possibly part of the almonry of the priory. Excavations within the vicinity of the staircase were carried out in 1978-9. The most important structural remains that were found date from the mid 12th century and consist of the east wall of the vaulted undercroft of the hall and the monastic drain which led from the 'necessarium' on the south side of the Green Court to the northern city ditch. The mid 12th century building levels completely sealed Late Saxon and Early Norman levels. A pit and a small lane which must have led off the intra-mural street nearby were also found.

Monument Types

• STEPS (Medieval to Modern - 1100 AD to 2050 AD)

Full description

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Description from record TR 15 NE 105:
[TR 1513458106] Norman Staircase [NR]. (1) Norman Staircase, Grade I. This 12th century staircase leads to the library of the King's School and formerly into the Almonry or North Hall. It is said to be the only 12th century staircase in England. 18 stone steps. (2-3) Excavations took place close to the main gate of the Benedictine Priory and just behind the unique Norman staircase in 1977 by the Canterbury Archaeological Trust. Remains of early Norman and late Saxon houses and pit were found underlying the mid twelfth century vaulted undercroft of the Almonry Hall. (4)

From the Register of Scheduled Monuments:

The scheduling includes…The lost bays associated with the Norman stair.(5)

The following text is from the original listed building designation:
1. 944 THE CATHEDRAL PRECINCTS
Norman Staircase TR 1558 SW 3/16B 3.12.49.
I GV
2. This C12 staircase leads to the library of the King's School and is said to be the only C12 staircase in England. 18 stone steps, The sides are of flint and ashlar and the roof is tiled and has a tile-hung gable. The base has 4 columns with Norman capitals and arches and a balustrade formed by pilasters.
Nos 20 to 29A (consec), Pilgrim's or Pentise entry attached to No 29, wall in garden of No 29, wall and gatepiers between Nos 28 and 29, Gateway from Green Court and building adjoining to left, King's School, Library and Norman staircase form a group.
Listing NGR: TR1513558107 (6)

<1> OS 1/500 1874 (OS Card Reference). SKE48131.

<2> DOE (HHR) City of Canterbury Kent Sept 1973 75 (OS Card Reference). SKE40137.

<3> Hist Builds Survey Cant City Council/RCHME 57022 8 of 12 (OS Card Reference). SKE43850.

<4> Arch Cant 93 1977 217 (T Tatton-Brown) (OS Card Reference). SKE36132.

<5> English Heritage, Register of Scheduled Monuments (Scheduling record). SKE16191.

<6> English Heritage, List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest (Map). SKE16160.

Sources and further reading

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