In the Elizabethan house, there was first a modest staircase which led from the Great Hall to the Great Chamber above the present Dining Room.
The Staircase Hall (Saloon)
Following completion of the Long Gallery, a more elaborate staircase was required to provide access to various areas of the upper floor. The present cantilevered staircase was designed for the Saloon by Timothy Lightoler in the 1760s. The candle fittings on the handrail are a rare survival from this period, although the engraved glass candle-shades were fitted in 1838. The present bright-yellow colour scheme, which was chosen by the late Gay Chichester-Constable, dates from 1972.
In 1840 Thomas Ward (1782-1850) of Hull was paid £40.0.0 for ‘Gilding Banisters for great Stair case' and a further £8.0.0 for ‘Gilding mouldings for Skirting boards'. This was undoubtedly part of the refurbishment undertaken to create a luxurious family sitting room. It was at this time that the two history paintings by Andrea Casali (c.1700-84) that hang to either side of the fireplace were brought to Burton Constable from the Clifford's home at Tixall in Staffordshire.
Registered Charity No.1010121 Registered Museum No. 604
The Murder of St Edward Martyr was painted by Andrea Casali (c.1700-94) and exhibited at the Royal Society of Arts in 1761 where it won First Prize