A brief summary of ladder development

A ladder is such a common and ordinary object that not many people consider its origins.

The word can be traced back to a similar Old English word meaning ‘something that slopes’ as well as being linked to the latin word ‘clathri’, referring to a set of bars.

Its invention cannot be attributed to any one person since it can be traced back before recorded history.

Ladders, as we know them, have been in use for over 10,000 years. Cave paintings in Spain were discovered depicting a long, rickety ladder, made from woven grass, against a tree housing a bees nest in order to collect honey.

As tools progressed, wooden ladders emerged on the scene. They were used throughout the medieval era to invade castles so soldiers could scale walls to get inside to open the doors.

At the same time, defenders would try and stop the army getting in using arrows and other projectiles. This meant the method was costly in terms of men.

Modern ladders are much more versatile. Common materials include wood, aluminium extension ladders or fibreglass step ladders and can be transportable or fixed.