The Staircase dates back to the 12th century and is one of the best preserved Norman staircases in England. Originally it lead to the High Hall (also known as the Aula Nova, North Hall, or Hog Hall), a guest house for pilgrim visitors.  Much of the Hall was demolished in the 18th century, and more in the early 19th, with new school rooms  constructed over the arches in the 1850s.