The earliest parts of the Red Passage date from the early 16th century and at this date the ceiling probably sloped upwards from the courtyard side of the house. Known as the 'High Passage' in the 1630s and later the 'Upper Passage' c.1720, it was remodelled in 1739 when a wall was built to separate the large rectangular window bay in the passage from the room beyond. At this time it stretched the whole length of the West Wing of the house. The passage takes its current name from the red distemper used to paint the passage in 1741. In around 1777, the architect James Wyatt was employed to move the main staircase to its present position and this shortened the passage to its current dimensions.

The Stone Staircase

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