Witches’ stairs are a strange but interesting design feature that became popular on TikTok a couple of years ago. Even though they have an unusual history, their name doesn’t really have to do with superstition. Instead, these stairs are a clever design choice. When made and installed correctly, they can be both useful and nice to look at!
Witches’ Stairs aren’t what they Appear.
While the stories about witches’ stairs might sound more interesting, they actually have a very practical purpose. They are really useful in homes with little space, like attics, lofts, and tiny houses. Witches’ stairs are designed to save space while still allowing you to go from one floor to another. Architects often call them “alternate tread stairs.”
How Witches’ Stairs Function
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Witches’ stairs are designed to save space in two ways. First, each step is only half as wide as regular steps, and the steps are staggered. This makes the staircase narrower than a traditional one. These smaller stairs can also be used for extra storage, like for books or displaying items. According to Scott Schuttner, who wrote “Basic Stairbuilding,” the distance between the steps on one side of an alternating-tread stair is twice the height of the rise, which gives you more space on the steps and makes them safer.
Besides being practical, witches’ stairs meet building codes and safety standards in the U.S. A standard staircase is usually 3 feet wide, while a residential witches’ staircase is typically between 27 and 30 inches wide.
Real Origins
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In 1985, a businessman named J.M. Lapeyre created a metal version of witches’ stairs. He thought these stairs could be a safe alternative to ladders in commercial and warehouse settings, especially in tight spaces where ladders might not be safe. This design is also used on commercial ships and oil rigs, and it can be called ship stairs or ship ladders, in addition to witches’ stairs and alternate tread stairs.
Misconception
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When videos of witches’ stairs first appeared on TikTok in 2021, they were linked to an urban legend. According to this legend, these staircases were built in 17th-century Massachusetts to keep witches away during the Salem witch trials because “witches can’t climb up them.” This idea has been proven false, but another rumor suggests that Thomas Jefferson came up with the design. Because of this, witches’ stairs are sometimes called Jeffersonian or Jefferson stairs. However, an original version of the design was also mentioned in a book called “Monckton’s One Plane Method Of Hand Railing and Stair Building,” published in 1888.
Debunking the Myth
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The exact origins of witches’ stairs are a bit unclear, but one thing is clear: there’s no historical evidence that they were designed to keep witches away. Historian Robin Briggs has studied many historical sources and found no mention of stairs that could disable witches. Interestingly, some people with these unique staircases also buried “witch bottles” or included dead cats in their homes for protection against witchcraft, but Briggs calls this idea “pure disinformation.” He notes that the closest belief was that putting a broom over the door would trap a witch inside.
While it’s fun to think about myths and legends, it’s also interesting to know the real history of witches’ stairs. Regardless, they offer a unique and decorative alternative to regular staircases, adding a fun and quirky touch to home design.
Fani Willis Takes a Stand Against Nathan Wade – “The Only Thing A Woman Can Do For Him Is Make A Sandwich”
Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis recently took to the stand where she spoke to the character of special prosecutor Nathan Wade. Willis’ relationship with Wade has come under increased scrutiny amid allegations of financiaI misconduct. Many have alleged the controversial relationship between Willis and Wade poses a massive conflict of interest.
According to Willis, her conversations with Wade were argumentative by nature, pertaining to the special prosecutor’s view of women. This district attorney claimed that Wade only sees value in women insofar as they will “make him a sandwich.” Willis explained how this dynamic was a source of tension in her relationship with Wade, noting how she gave “him his money back.”
“Mister, let’s go on and have the conversation,” Willis said. “Had absolutely nothing to do with this. It’s interesting that we’re here about this money. Mr. Wade is used to women that, as he told me one time, only thing a woman can do for him is make him a sandwich. We would have brutaI arguments about the fact that I am your equal. I don’t need anything from a man a man is not a plan. A man is a companion. And so there was tension always in our relationship, which is why I was give him his money back. I don’t need anybody to foot my bills, the only man who’s ever put my bills completely is my daddy.”
Following her monologue, Willis was asked, “Is there anything else you’d like to add to that?” She responded, “No. I’m sure we’ll talk about it further.” Willis’ comments about Wade have quickly made the rounds on social media.
Conservative Brief shared footage of Willis’ testimony on X, with the caption, “The Character Assassination Continues! On the stand, Fulton County DA Fani Willis continues to paint her lover Nathan Wade in a terrible light: “Mr. Wade is used to women that— as he told me one time— the only thing a woman can do for him is make a sandwich.””
The American Tribune recently reported on comments from Nathan Wade’s testimony about his extravagant trips with Fani Willi. Many have alleged the trips have been prime exampIes of Willis abusing her position of power to misuse government funds.
A Fulton County Judge recently ruled that Willis and Wade would be forced to testify on these allegations of financial misconduct. Judge McAfee ruled, “I think the issues at point here are whether a relationship existed, whether that relationship was romantic or non-romantic in nature, when it formed, and whether it continues. And that’s only relevant because it’s in combination with the question of the existence and extent of any personal benefit conveyed as a result of their relationship.”
Judge McAfee continued in his ruling, “And so because I think its possibIe that the facts alleged by the defendant could result in disqualification, I think an evidentiary hearing must occur to establish the record on those core allegations.”
See footage of Fani Willis’ testimony below:
A Fulton County Judge recently ruled that Willis and Wade would be forced to testify on these allegations of financial misconduct. Judge McAfee ruled, “I think the issues at point here are whether a relationship existed, whether that relationship was romantic or non-romantic in nature, when it formed, and whether it continues. And that’s only relevant because it’s in combination with the question of the existence and extent of any personal benefit conveyed as a result of their relationship.”
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