The Grand Shaft, Dover, Kent
The Grand Shaft
Built between 1806-09 the Grand Shaft is a unique triple staircase at Dover. It was used by troops at the Grand Shaft Barracks and the Western Heights fortifications as a shortcut to the town below.
The shaft is 140 feet deep and 26 feet in diameter. The three staircases built of Purbeck Limestone wind clockwise one above the other. In the centre is a light and ventilation shaft which is open at the top and has windows in the sides for the stairways. There are 200 steps altogether separated by several landings. At the bottom the three stairways meet up in a sloping corridor that leads to the Snargate Street entrance.
By 1806 the construction of the shaft was underway. It was difficult to build particularly as the weather was poor making the earthworks in the chalk and clay dangerous. By 1809 the shaft was ready to use.
At the time of its use the stairs were segregated:
1. Officers and their ladies
2. Sergeants and their wives
3. Soldiers and their women