The staircase is a slender walled spiral of stone around a central pillar that runs from the ground floor through every room to the top — almost — of the tower. The pillar ends in a smooth knob about a foot above the top step, just below the top-floor workroom; but the head of the staircase is surrounded by low railings that serve to supply the missing handhold, as well as to guard the steps.
Once the right knack has been acquired — one hand on the central pillar and one hand trailing for balance along the walls — it is possible to run from top to bottom of the staircase with little more effort than a rapid twinkling of ankles and feet. There is (perhaps fortunately) no bannister down which to slide... It is also possible to run from bottom to top of the staircase, although this requires considerably more effort, and, generally speaking, several months' practice. However, a pleasant feeling of fitness tends to ensue for those who can accomplish this feat on a regular basis!
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