Secret staircase to roof of gatehouse at Battle Abbey,East Sussex, will give visitors unparalleled view of scene of William the Conqueror ’s victory in 1066A spectacular view of the site of the Battle of Hastings, and a panorama available only to gulls and roofing contractors,will open to the public for the first time next year. The opening will celebrate the 950th anniversary of the most renowned regime change in English history: the victory of William the Conqueror and his Normans, and the death on the battlefield of King Harold in October 1066.
A crumbling 14th-century stone staircase is being restored and a new wooden platform built over the lead surface of the roof to allow visitors on to the top of the soaring gatehouse of Battle Abbey, and still the highest point in the town. Research in preparation for the work has revealed a staircase hidden in the thickness of the wall – uncovered in a cupboard behind the staff electric kettle and microwave.
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Source: theguardian.com