4 secret Clifton College passages you didn’t know about

No wonderfully historic building is complete without a couple of secrets looming in the shadows, and Clifton College is no exception to that.

Whilst walking to lessons you may have never noticed these alluring doors or perhaps you’ve seen them and have always wondered where they might take you?

With this in mind, we quizzed our Estates Team to help us find four secret Clifton College passages you didn’t know about.

Big School Kitchen: The door to nowhere

Lurking behind the mops and kitchen equipment on the second floor of BSK, you’ll find an old wooden door. But where on earth does it take you? Well, it leads you to a door out onto the roof.

Now why would a door lead you out onto the roof? It sounds strange to have a door that seems to lead you to nowhere, but the original use for this staircase and door was the only way they could reach the roof for repairs.

Workmen would climb up the spiral staircase carrying a rather rickety old ladder, they would then climb up the ladder to a lead covered hatch on the roof. Once they had climbed through, they would be able to walk around in the roof space of BSK – dangerous, but it would enable them to check the ventilation and carry out any repairs where needed.

Memorial Arch: The hidden stairs

When walking away from the Chapel towards Mem Arch, have you ever noticed the little wooden door on the left hand side? Here, you’ll find a tiny little spiral staircase, not for the claustrophobic among us, which leads you to the top of the structure.

Once you’ve pushed your way through spooky looking spider’s webs and out through the second door at the top, you’ll find yourself on the roof of Mem Arch. Ever wondered how they get up to change the flag? Well, that’s how!

Wilson Tower: A journey by turret

Usually, if you wanted to get to the top of the Wilson Tower, you’d just take the main staircase in the East Cloisters, but did you know there is an alternative route? Underneath the Wilson Tower, you’ll find a little blue door at the bottom of one of the turrets. It is said this staircase was built as a fire escape from the rooms in the Percival building and you’ll find secret doors to it in the rooms it passes.

So, next time you’re in the Percival Library, see if you can spot the secret door in the woodwork!

Once opened, the doors leads you up a magically twisted spiral staircase. This staircase twirls and turns to the top of the turret and takes you onto the roof of the Wilson Tower – this is where you’ll find the Clifton College flag pole. From up here, you get a close and personal view of the Chapel’s striking blue roof and, if you walk over to the other side, a bird’s eye view of Bristol Zoo!

The Chapel: Percival’s Tomb

When you’re sat in assembly, are you aware of what lies beneath the Chapel? Head to the back of the room and you’ll find a secret staircase, this leads you down into the cellar which can sometimes feel a little eerie. This is because it’s here that Percival’s tomb sits and some say, the place is haunted. It’s also believed that many, many decades ago, particularly misbehaved pupils would have to spend the night down there as punishment for their behaviour.

Unfortunately, these secret passages are not open to the public due to health and safety reasons, so please do not try to enter them! However, we do hope you have enjoyed this little insight into the secrets of the College and will be happy to answer any of your questions if we can.