The Grand Staircase was an early 19th century addition that replaced an earlier staircase designed by Sir Christopher Wren, still located beyond the far end of the Great Hall. Portraits and sculptured busts around the Grand Staircase reference the Thynne family's complicated history.
At the foot of the stairs look for the family tree, dating back to 1215.
The wrought iron chandelier above the stairs dates from the 19th century but was modified when electricity was installed in Longleat House. The cost of wiring the entire house, in 1920, was £8,094 15s.2d - in what the English refer to as "old money" or pre-decimalization currency.