Throughout the history of humanity, staircases have served as integral pieces in the structural development of our civilisations.
Yet, for as long as stairs have existed, there have always been people who struggled to use them, as well as people in search of the ultimate solution to help them overcome these steep, sloping staircases.
Since the invention of the modern-day stairlift, we’ve taken great strides —or should I say steps— forward in mankind’s mission towards mobility for people of all ages and abilities. However, as it turns out, the idea of a life-changing lifting device was launched into motion centuries before the modern stairlift was officially invented.
Read on to learn the surprising history of stairlifts, how the progression to the modern-day stairlift might date further back than you think, and how Acorn has perfected the invention of the stairlift.
When Was the First Recorded Use of a Stairlift?
Recently, historian Dr. David Starkey discovered that the first recorded use of the stairlift actually dates back to the 16th century and is tied to nonother than the larger-than-life king, Henry VIII.
Although Henry VIII is infamous for his turbulent love life with six wives and building the church of England, it turns out that he also was the first known person to have a stairlift—or as he preferred to call it, his “stair throne”— that would “goeth up and down” his royal staircase in Whitehall Palace.
Despite being initially known for his athleticism and love of horseback riding, Henry VIII was plagued with health issues after a jousting accident that rendered him unable to perform the physical pastimes he had once loved. This lack of physical activity, in addition to his habit of indulging in 30-course meals every day, led to significant weight gain and most likely gout that hindered his mobility.
Ultimately, these are the struggles that led to the solution of his “stair throne,” although this primitive, stairlift model functioned through the use of a pulley system of royal ropes the servants used to hoist the king up to the heavens.
When Were Commercial Stairlifts Officially Invented?
What we now know as the modern stair lift was officially invented by U.S entrepreneur C.C Crispen in the 1920s.
Equipped with a folding seat and footrest and gliding up and down the rail on rollers, Crispen’s stairlift was designed to help his friend with polio travel freely between the floors of his home.
Since the invention of the stairlift, countless people have helped people reach new heights, regaining their independence and reclaiming their lives.
How Acorn Stairlifts Has Revolutionised the Stairlift Industry
Stairlifts have come a long way since the 1920s. Now, all thanks to Acorn, we can say with full confidence that the stairlift has been perfected to provide you with the smoothest possible ride customised just for you and your unique needs.
Did you know that Acorn Stairlifts changes a life every eight minutes? That is because every eight minutes, somewhere in the world, one of Acorn’s stairlifts is being installed into someone’s home. Every eight minutes, one more person breaks free from the bondage of fear, dependency, and immobility.
Here at Acorn Stairlifts, we don’t consider ourselves just the world’s top stairlift company. We know we are much more than that. Acorn’s mission is not just to manufacture and sell stairlifts. Acorn strives to improve the overall quality of our customers’ lives by helping them regain their mobility, independence, and confidence, doing so with the help of our high-quality stairlifts and service.
There are countless things that set apart an Acorn stairlift from the chair crowd. First of all, Acorn Stairlifts takes pride in the fact that we are with our customers throughout their stairlift journey from start to finish.
This is because Acorn manufactures, installs, and services all of our stair lifts. Acorn does this because we want to be able to look our customers in the eye and tell them that they are getting the safest and highest-quality stairlift and service with full confidence.
When you choose Acorn, you will never have to worry about the quality, where your stairlift came from, or who manufactured it. Your stairlift will only be handled by the trusted hands of our own Acorn stairlift experts.
From start to finish, Acorn assures that our customers are taken care of. From the strict standards we adhere to during manufacturing, to our superior stairlift servicing within your home, Acorn Stairlifts is hands-on throughout the entire process to ensure our customers are getting what they deserve—only the best.
Contact Us for a Free Quote on Your Acorn Chair Lift
To start reclaiming your independence and mobility or help your loved ones live their lives to the fullest, look for an Acorn Stairlifts near you and contact us today.
Acorn offers each person even considering investing in a life-changing lift a free, no-obligation quote and home survey in which an Acorn representative will provide you with personal stairlift advice and your stairlift price.
Choose to give you and your loved ones the best by lifting your life with an Acorn stairlift.
